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https://archive.org/details/petroleumnatural1190whit 


WEST  VIRGINIA 

GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


VOLUME  ONE  A 


PETROLEUM 

AND 

NATURAL  GAS 
PRECISE  LEVELS 


By  I.  C.  WHITE,  State  Geologist. 


557  ' 
''A/7'd 
I A 


PRINTED  BY 

THE  NEW  DOMINION  PUBLISHING  COMPANY, 

MORGANTOWN,  W.  VA. 

1904. 


GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  COMMISSION. 

ALBERT  B.  WHITE,  President, 

Governor  of  West  Virginia. 


> 


O 


q; 

7=^ 

5 

cP 


PETER  SILMAN,  Treasurer. 

Treasurer  of  West  Virginia. 

JAMES  II.  STEWART,  Secretary  and  Executive  Officer. 

Director  State  Agricultural  Experiment  Station. 

D.  B.  PURINTON,  President  West  Virginia  University. 

ABRAM  McCULLOCII,  President  State  Board  of  Agriculture. 


cti 

o 


7^ 


170*3^  ^ 


s 


SURVEY  STAFF. 


I.  C.  WHITE-  State  Geologist. 

Superintendent  of  the  Survey. 

G.  P.  GRIMSLEY,  (From  August  1st,  1904)  Assistant  Geologist. 
B.  H.  HITE,  Chief  Chemist.  ■ 

RAY  V.  HENNEN,  Engineer  and  Chief  Clerk. 

MATTIE  J.  DAILEY,  (to  May  1st,  1904)  Stenographer. 

RIETZ  C.  TUCKER,  (since  May  1st,  1904)  Stenographer. 


LETTER  OP  TRANSMITTAL. 


To  His  Excellency , Albert  B.  White,  Governor  of  West  Virginia, 
and  President  of  the  Geological  Survey  Commission: 

SIR : — I have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a supplementary 
Report  on  Petroleum  and  Natural  Gas  entitled  Volume  One  A.  The 
edition  of  Volume  One  on  this  subject  had  become  entirely  exhausted, 
and  as  the  Survey  received  frequent  requests  for  the  same,  the  Com- 
mission authorized  the  publication  of  this  supplementary  volume  to 
.supply  the  demand  in  question.  Then,  too,  the  Survey  has  collected 
many  valuable  records  of  oil  and  gas  well  borings  in  the  several  re- 
gions of  the  State,  the  publication  of  which  will  prove  of  great  value 
not  only  to  those  connected  with  oil  and  gas  developments,  but  also 
to  those  interested  in  coal,  since  these  records  give  exact  measurements 
through  the  several  geological  formations,  and  in  a more  or  less  ac- 
curate manner  indicate  the  presence  or  absence  of  valuable  coal 
beds,  together  with  their  depths  below  the  surface,  and  approximate 
thickness.  The  publication  of  these  records  is  necessary  for  their 
preservation  beyond  the  possibility  of  loss  as  well  as  to  place  them 
in  a form  available  for  use,  and  their  value  to  the  citizens  of  the 
State  both  now  and  for  the  future,  fully  warrants  the  comparatively 
small  expense  of  printing.  In  the  preparation  of  the  text  of  this  Re- 
port, the  previous  Volume  One  has  been  drawn  upon  quite  freely, 
since  much  of  it  is  of  ever  permanent  interest,  but  the  well  records 
with  a very  few  exceptions,  are  entirely  new.  Those  added  from  Penn- 
sylvania are  published  because  they  are  contiguous  to  the  West  Vir- 
ginia oil  fields,  and  tend  to  aid  our  operators  in  their  tireless  search 
for  these  buried  treasures  which  have  added  so  much  to  the  wealth 
and  prosperity  of  the  State.  The  Publication  Committee  has  con- 
tracted for  an  edition  of  5.000  copies  of  this  report,  3334  copies  of 
which  are  to  be  bound  in  cloth  and  the  remainder  in  paper,  and  the 
Commission  has  fixed  the  price  at  $1.00  per  copy  for  the  paper  bind- 
ing, and  $1.25  per  co])y  for  the  cloth,  delivered  free  to  the  pur- 
chaser by  mail  or  express. 

The  receipts  from  the  sales  of  publications  (Vol.  II,  on  Coal,  and 


LETTEK  OF  TRANSMITTAL 


VII 


ilic  new  State  Map  issued  February  1st,  1904)  have  been  sufTicient 
to  pay  the  entire  cost  of  publication  of  the  new  State  Map,  as 
well  as  the  expense  for  postage  and  express  in  the  delivery  of  the 
Survey  publications  to  the  purchasers. 

The  commission  has  just  authorized  the  preparation  of  Vol.  Ill 
on  Clays,  Limestones,  and  Building  Stones,  and  elected  Prof.  G.  P. 
Grimsley  of  Washburn  College,  Topeka,  Kansas,  as  Assistant  Geol- 
ogist, who  will  come  to  West  Virginia,  August  1st  of  this  year,  and 
take  charge  of  the  work  on  Volume  III,  which  can  probably  be  pub- 
lished early  in  1905. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  data  given  in  the  present  volume,  may  lead 
the  citizens  of  our  state  to  adopt  less  wasteful  and  extravagant  meth- 
ods of  utilizing  our  still  abundant  stores  of  Natural  Gas,  and  that 
the  next  Legislature  will  devise  effective  means  for  preventing  the 
inexcusable  waste  and  dissipation  of  this  priceless  heritage  of  the 
world  ^s  best  and  purest  fuel. 

Very  respectfully, 

I.  C.  WHITE, 

State  Geologist. 


Morgantown,  July  1st,  1904, 


CONTENTS 


Pages. 

Letter  of  Transmittal VI- VII 

Preface  X-XI 

Errata  XII  . . . 

PART  I. — Petroleum  a7id  Natural  Gas. 

Chapter  I. — Historical  Sketch 1-  28 

Chapter  II. — Natural  Gas 29-  44 

Chapter  III. — Geology  of  Petroleum  and  Natural  Gas 45-  73 

Chapter  IV. — Oil  and  Gas  Well  Records 


Generalized  Section  of  W.  Va.  Strata....  74-  85 
Venango,  Butler,  Armstrong,  Allegheny, 
Washington,  Fayette  and  Greene  Coun- 


ties.  Pa.. 

86-133 

Monongalia 

county 

133-150 

Marion 

i ( 

, . . . : 150-176 

Wetzel 

i ( 

176-213 

Marshall 

( ( 

213-230 

Ohio 

( ( 

230-231 

Brooke 

1 i 

231-233 

Hancock 

i ( 

233-237 

Tyler 

( ( 

....237-268 

Pleasants 

(( 

268-281 

Doddridge 

it 

281-304 

Harrison 

a 

304-337 

Taylor 

i ( 

337-342 

Preston 

n 

342-344 

Barbour 

it 

344-348 

Upshur 

a, 

348-353 

Lewis 

a 

.353-375 

Gilmer 

a 

375-388 

Braxton 

1 1 

388-394 

Calhoun 

a 

394-402 

Ritchie 

it 

402-445 

CONTENTS 


IX 


Wood  county 445-462 

Wirt  ' “ 462-468 

Roane  468-473 

Clay  ''  473-475 

Jackson  475-479 

Mason  479-482 

Putnam  482-483 

Cabell  ....483-496 

Wayne  496-499 

Boone  499-500 

Kanawha  . 500-501 

Fayette  501-504 

Summers  504-506 

The  Oil  and  Gas  Horizoiib'  in  W.  Va 506-509 

Tables  of  Oil  Gravity  Tests 510-512 

Chapter  V. — Chemical  Composition  of  Natural  Gas 

Paper  by  Prof.  Francis  C.  Phillips 513-552 

Analyses  of  West  Virginia  Natural  Gas  by 

Prof.  C.  D.  Howard 552-557 

PART  II. — Elevations  Above  Tide. 

Chapter  VI. — Precise  Levels. 

, Grafton  to  Parkersburg 558-560 

Monongalia  County ' 560-562 

Preston,  Monongalia,  Marion  and  Wetzel 

Counties 562-565 

Wetzel,  Tyler,  Doddridge,  Harrison,  Pleas 
ants,  Ritchie,  Gilmer  and  Braxton  Coun- 
ties  565-574 

Hancock  and  Brooke  Counties 574-576 

Brooke,  Ohio,  Marshall,  Pleasants,  Wood, 

Wirt  and  Jackson  Counties 576-582 

Marion,  Taylor,  Harrison,  Barbour,  Upshur, 
Doddridge,  Gilmer,  Braxton  Lewis  and 

Nicholas  Counties 582-589 

Kanawha.  Clay,  Nicholas,  Fayette  and 

Greenbrier  Counties 589-615 

Index  to  part  1 615 


PREFACE 


For  the  invaluable  results  of  the  oil  and  gas  well  borings  re- 
corded in  this  volume,  the  Survey  is  chiefly  indebted  to  the  ccTurtesy 
of  the  great  Oil  and  Gas  producing  companies,  the  officers  of  which 
have  kindly  given  full  information  without  stint.  The  geologic 
data  thus  given  to  the  citizens  of  our  domain  practically  free  of  ex- 
pense, has  cost  the  operators  millions  of  dollars  to  secure,  in  their 
fruitful  search  with  the  drill.  That  they  will  spend  many  millions 
more  in  piercing  the  rocky  envelope  of  the  State  for  these  treasures 
of  light  and  fuel,  goes  without  saying.  The  writer  has  endeavored  to 
enlist  the  aid  of  the  Carnegie  Institution  of  Washington,  D.  C.,  in 
an  effort  to  secure  more  carefully  kept  records  rendered  available  to 
geology  through  this  enormous  expenditure  of  money  in  drilling  for 
oil  and  gas  in  West  Virginia,  but  as  yet  the  officers  of  that  Institu- 
tion have  failed  to  embrace  this  opportunity  to  add  so  immensely  to 
the  sum  of  human  knowledge  at  only  a small  outlay  in  money.  The 
great  oil  producing  companies  would  most  heartily  co-operate  in  any 
such  endeavor  by  giving  facilities  for  securing  samples  of  the  drillings, 
making  more  numerous  and  accurate  (steel  line)  measurements  etc., 
but  they  cannot  be  expected  to  do  such  purely  scientific  work  at  their 
own  expense,  and  entirely  on  their  own  initiative.  If  the  survey  could 
secure  the  funds  to  employ  two  men  at  modest  salaries  ($60  to  $75 
per  month),  one  to  attend  the  drill  by  day,  and  the  other  by  night, 
recording  measurements  and  securing  samples  from  every  sand  pump- 
ing, the  results  thus  obtained  would  prove  of  the  greatest  value,  es- 
pecially in  the  distant  future  of  the  State,  when  the  search  for  oil 
and  gas  shall  have  long  been  ended  with  their  exhaustion,  and  a 


PREFACE 


XI 


knowledge  of  the  State’s  deeply  buried  coal  resources  shall  prove  of 
great  value  to  her  citizens.  It  is  hoped  that  some  means  of  securing 
and  preserving  such  valuable  data  now  rendered  possible  in  so  many 
counties,  may  soon  be  obtained  before  the  enormous  expenditures  re- 
quired in  drilling  operations  shall  have  ended  forever. 

In  the  body  of  this  volume  due  credit  and  acknowledgment  are 
given  for  all  records  published,  and  while  it  is  impossible  to  make 
formal  announcement  here  of  all  who  have  thus  aided  the  Survey, 
yet  the  following  firms  and  corporations  have  done  so  much  in  this 
line,  that  the  Survey  cannot  refrain  from  this  public  recognition  of 
their  aid  and  courtesy: 

The  officers  and  employees  of  the  Battelle  Oil  Co.,  Bendum  Bros., 
Burt  Oil  Co.,  Cabell  Oil  & Gas  Co.,  Calf  Creek  Oil  Co.,  Cairo  Oil  Co., 
Carnegie  Natural  Gas  Co.,  Carter  Oil  Co.,  Chartiers  Oil  Co.,  Citizens 
Natural  Gas  Co.,  Clark  Oil  Co.,  Delmar  Oil  Co.,  Elk  River  Oil  & Gas 
Co.,  Elkton  Oil  & Gas  Co.,  Fairmont  & Grafton  Gas  Co.,  Fayette 
County  Gas  Co.,  Fearless  Oil  Co.,  Federal  Oil  Co.,  The  Fisher  Oil  Co., 
Fort  Pitt  Gas  Co.,  Gartlan  Drilling  Co.,  J.  M.  Guffey  & Co.,  Hartman 
Oil  Co.,  Hope  Natural  Gas  Co.,  Hurricane  Oil  & Development  Co.,  E. 
H.  Jennings  & Bros.,  Kanawha  Oil  Co.,  Mandell  Oil  & Gas  Co.,  Man- 
ufacturers Heat  & Light  Co.,  McCalmont  Oil  Co.,  New  York  Petro- 
leum Co.,  Philadelphia  Co.,  Roberts  Bros.,  Southern  Oil  Co.  & Fred 
S.  Rich,  South  Penn  Oil  Co.,  Stumptown  Oil  & Gas  Co.,  Syndicate  Oil 
& Gas  Co.,  Triple  State  Oil  & Gas  Co.,  Union  Oil  Co.,  U.  S.  Coal  & Oil 
Co.,  U.  S.  Oil  Co.,  Virginia  Oil  & Gas  Co.  and  the  Walton  Oil  & Gas  Co. 


ERRATA 


Page  6,  line  9 from  top,  for  “aniamls,”  read  animals. 

“ 6,  line  12  from  top,  for  “conqueror,”  read  conqueror. 

“ 10,  line  4 from  top,  for  “ingenius,”  read  ingenious. 

‘‘  11,  line  10  from  top,  for  “irridescent,”  read  iridescent. 

“ 26,  line  5 from  top,  for  “riis”  read  runs. 

“ 37,  line  8 from  bottom  for  “comparee,”  read  compares. 

“ 49,  line  13  from  bottom  for  imposible,”  read  impossible. 

“ 51,  line  17  from  top  for  “vis”  read  viz. 

“ 52,  line  7 from  top  for  “hense,”  read  hence. 

“ 54,  line  2 from  bottom  for  “acumulation,”  read  accumulatio 

“ 58,  line  9 from  bottom  for  “lige,”  read  like. 

“ 226,  line  16  from  top  for  “utilzing,”  read  utilizing. 

“ 235,  line  14  from  top  for  “7  5-8,”  read  5 5-8. 

“ 356,  line  13  from  top  for  “refered,”  read  referred. 

“ 358,  line  20  from  top  for  “Southen,”  read  Southern. 

“ 415,  line  15  from  top  for  “suspect,”  read  suspected. 


V ’ ' 


PA.RT  I 


PETROLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 

CHAPTER  I 

HISTORICAL  SKETCH 

Volume  I,  of  the  West  Virginia  Geological  Survey,  pub- 
lished in  1898,  was  distributed  gratis  to  whomsoever  ap- 
plied therefor.  The  result  was  that  the  limited  edition  (3,000 
copies)  of  the  same  was  practically  exhausted  before  many  per- 
sons and  libraries  that  make  good  use  of  such  publications,  could 
be  supplied.  Some  of  the  historical  matter  printed  in  that 
volume  is  of  such  pc'rjiiaucjit  value  to  every  one  interested  in  the 
subjects  of  Petroleum  and  Natural  Gas,  that  it  will  be  (pioted 
• from  freely  in  this  publication  for  the  benefit  of  those  who 
could  not  i)rocure  Volume  I. 

The  early  history  of  petroleum  and  natural  gas  is  much 
the  same  in  every  country  where  they  occur.  In  China  the  util- 
ization of  natural  gas  antedates  authentic  history.  In  Persia, 
Arabia,  India,  Albania,  and  other  countries,  rock  oil,  or  pe- 
troleum, and  its  residuum,  pitch,  have  been  in  use  for  many 
centuries,  as  attested  by  such  writers  as  Aristotle,  Strabo,  Plu- 
tarch, Pliny,  Marco  Polo  and  others,  while  the  ruins  of  the 
ancient  temple  of  the  Parsecs  or  Fire-worshipers  at  Baku,  where 
natural  gas,  and  petroleurp  have  been  issuing  from  the  earthy 


2 


HISTOEICAL  SKETCH 


and  bubbling  up  through  the  waters  of  the  Caspian  Sea  for 
untold  ages,  simply  accentuate  the  story  of  every  other  country. 

The  ancient  gravel  pits  near  Titusville,  Pennsylvania,  show 
that  the  American  Indian  had  some  knowledge  of  the  value  of 
petroleum,  before  the  white  man  had  invaded  the  region,  and 
it  is  quite  probable  that  the  “burning  springs,”  and  outflows 
of  petroleum,  on  the  Little  and  Big  Kanawhas,  Big  Sandy  and 
other  streams  of  West  Virginia,  had  already  attracted  the  at- 
tention of  the  aborigines,  and  that  they  were  making  use  of 
them  in  their  own  primitive  way,  long  before  the  first  white 
settlers  crossed  the  Alleghanies. 

Gen.  Washington's  Discovery  of  a Natural  Gas  Spring. 

One  of  the  earliest  records  of  these  natural  gas  vents  or 
“burning  springs”  is  of  that  on  the  Great  Kanawha,  nine  miles 
above  Charleston,  near  the  crest  of  the  Browntown  anticlinal. 
General  Washington  visited  this  “burning  spring”  in  1775, 
and  pre-empted  it  along  with  other  lands  given  to  him  for 
military  services  by  the  State  of  Virginia.  In  his  will  this 
natural  gas  wonder,  together  with  a square  acre  of  ground 
around  it,  was  deeded  to  the  public  forever,  and  the  following 
reference  to  its  acquisition  is  recorded:  “The  tract  of  which 
the  123  acres  is  a moiety  w^s  taken  up  by  Gen.  Andrew  Lewis 
and  myself  for,  and  on  account  of,  a bituminous  spring,  which 
it  contains,  of  so  inflammable  a nature  as  to  burst  forth  as  freely 
as  spirits  and  is  nearly  as  difficult  to  extinguish.” 

Drilling  Machinery  and  Methods  Invented  in  the  Great 
Kanawha  Valley. 

It  is  not  generally  known  that  all  of  the  essential  elements 
of  the  petroleum  industry  of  the  United  States  really  originated 
in  what  is  now  West  Virginia,  but  such  is  the  truth  of  history. 
It  was  in  the  Great  Kanawha  Valley  at  the  Salt,  or  Buffalo 
Lick,  near  Charleston,  where,  under  the  intelligent  and  sue-, 
cessful  attempts  of  the  Ruffner  Bros.  (David  and  Joseph)  to 
bore  down  through  the  rocks  and  ascertain  the  source  of  the 
famous  salt  spring,  that  modern  drilling  tools,  jars,  casing,  and 
practically  all  of  the  oil  well  machinery  in  use  at  the  present 


WEST  VIROTNIA  GEOLOGTCAL  SURVEY 


3 


day  were  invented.  'J'liese  boring  operations  were  begun  by 
the  Ttutl'iier  Bi-others  (David  and  Joseph)  in  1806,  and  their 
ell'orts  were  crowned  witli  success  on  the  15th  day  of  January, 
1808.  The  story  of  these  early  drilling  operations  and  inven- 
tions has  been  given  in  a detailed  and  interesting  sketch  by 
Dr.  J.  1\  Ilale,"^^  President  of  the  West  Virginia  Historical  So- 
ciety, Charleston,  W.  Va.,  in  the  ‘‘Resources  of  West  Virginia,” 
1876,  by  M.  F.  Maiuy  and  Win.  M.  Fontaine,  Chapter  XII, 
pages  274-305,  and  as  that  volume  i.s  now  out  of  print,  the  main 
jiortion  of  the  chaiiter  is  hp‘v  i*<^-oroduced,  beginning  wRh  page 
273,  as  follows: 

The  Earlij  Drilling  Operations  of  David  and  Joseph  Uiiffner 
in  the  Great  Kanawha  Valley. 

•‘The  Kanawha  Salt  Works  are  situated  in  Kanawha  county, 
on  the  Kanawha  river,  commencing  about  three  miles  above  Charles- 
ton and  extending  up  the  river  for  several  miles,  on  both  sides. 

These  “Licks,”  as  they  are  called,  have  not  only  been  known 
and  extensively  worked  from  the  first  settlement  of  the  valley  by 
the  whites,  but  have  been  known  and  used  from  time  immemorial  by 
the  Indian  tribes,  and  frequented  by  swarms  of  buffalo,  elk,  deer, 
and  other  wild  animals,  before  the  advent  of  the  white  man. 

In  1753,  when  all  tliis  region  was  an  unknown  wilderness,  which 
had  never  been  penetrated  by  the  most  adventurous  white  man,  a 
party  of  Shawnees  who  dwelt  upon  the  Scioto,  in  what  is  now  Ohio, 
made  a raid  upon  tlie  frontier  settlements  of  Virginia,  in  what  is 
now  Montgomery  county.  Having  taken  the  settlers  unawares,  and 
after  killing,  burning  and  capturing  prisoners,  as  was  their  cus- 
tom, they  retreated,  with  their  captives,  down  New  River,  Kana- 
wha, and  Ohio,  to  their  homes.  One  of  these  captives,  Mrs.  Mary 
Ingles  who  afterwards  made  her  escape,  and  was  returned  to  her 
friends,  related  that  the  party  had  stopped  several  days  at  a salt 
spring  on  the  Kanawha  river,  rested  from  their  weary  march,  killed 
plenty  of  game  and  feasted  themselves  on  the  fat  of  the  land;  in 


*I)r,  Hale,  who  ^ave  the  best  ell'orts  ot  his  long:  iuid  busy  lite  to  the  interests 
of  West  Virginia,  die<l  in  Charleston  recently.  With  but  little  linancial  aid  from 
oth(‘rs,  he  built  and  donated  to  the  State  the  lirst  eapitol  building  at  Charleston, 
in  order  that  his  native  town  might  become  the  chief  city  of  West  Virginia,  al- 
though tlic  building  ot  the  state  house,  together  with  the  occurrence  of  a de- 
structive lloo<l  during  the  same  time,  ])ractically  swept  away  all  of  Dr.  Hale’s 
linancial  resources.  As  the  founder  and  i)rcsldent  of  the  State  Historical  Society 
until  his  decease,  he  accomplished  much  toward  the  preservation  of  the  early  his- 
tory of  the  State  ho  loved  and  served  so  well. 


4 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 


the  meantime,  boiling  salt  water  and  making  a supply  of  salt,  which 
was  carefully  packed  and  taken  home  with  them  to  their  western 
homes.  This  is  not  only  the  first  account  we  have  of  salt  making 
on  the  Kanawha,  but  anywhere  else  Avest  of  the  Alleghanies.  In 
fact,  if  there  is  any  earlier  record  of  salt-making  from  brine  springs, 
anywhere  in  the  United  States,  I am  not  aware  of  it. 

The  earliest  settlement  made  by  the  whites  in  the  Kanawha 
valley,  was  made  by  Walter  Kelley  and  family,  at  the  mouth  of 
the  creek,  which  bears  his  name,  in  the  spring  of  1774,  several 
months  before  the  battle  of  Point  Pleasant,  where  the  combined 
Indian  tribes,  under  the  celebrated  Sachem,  Cornstalk,  were  defeat- 
ed and  driven  back  by  the  Virginians,  under  Gen.  Lewis. 

Kelley  and  his  family  paid  the  forfeit  of  their  lives  to  their 
temerity;  they  were  all  killed  by  the  Indians;  but  after  the  battle  of 
the  Point,  when  there  was  greater  security  for  life,  the  Valley  was 
rapidly  settled,  mostly  by  Virginians,  and  in  great  part  by  the  hardy 
soldiers  who  had  followed  Lewis  to  Point  Pleasant. 

The  early  pioneer  settlers,  in  a wilderness,  without  communi- 
cation with  other  settlements,  except  by  foot  or  bridle  paths,  de- 
pended upon  the  Kanawha  Licks  for  their  scant  supply  of  salt.  In 
those  days  of  simple  economy  and  provident  thrift,  when  everything 
useful  was  made  the  most  of,  the  women  ^s  wash-kettles  were  put 
under  requisition  for  a four-fold  duty;  they  boiled  the  daily  hog 
and  hominy,  and  other  wholesome,  frugal  fare;  once  a week  they 
boiled  the  clothes,  on  wash  day;  semi-occasionally  they  boiled  the 
salt  water  for  a little  of  the  precious  salt,  and  every  spring  they 
went  to  the  sugar  camp,  to  boil  the  annual  supply  of  maple  sugar  and 
molasses. 

It  is  related  that  at  one  time,  when  there  was  an  apprehended 
attack  from  the  Indians,  the  few  early  settlers  were  posted  at  the 
mouth  of  Coal  river,  for  protection.  Being  out  of  salt  and  suffering 
for  the  want  of  it,  they  sent  some  of  their  hardy  and  daring  young 
men  in  canoes  up  to  the  salt  spring,  where  they  dipped  the  canoes 
full  of  salt  water;  and,  getting  safely  back,  the  water  was  boiled,  and 
the  precious  salt  made  under  cover  of  the  fort. 

Among  the  earliest  land  locations  made  in  the  valley,  was  one  of 
502  acres,  made  in  1785,  by  John  Dickinson,  from  the  Valley  of  Vir- 
ginia, to  include  the  mouth  of  Campbell’s  creek,  the  bottom  above 
and  the  salt  spring.  Dickinson  did  not  improve  or  work  the  prop- 
erty himself,  but  meeting  with  Joseph  Ruffner,  an  enterprising  far- 
mer from  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Virginia,  in  1794,  and  describing 
this  salt  spring  to  him,  Ruffner  became  so  impressed  with  its  value, 
that  he  then  and  there  purchased  the  502  acres  upon  Dickinson’s  own 
report,  without  himself  seeing  it,  agreeing  to  pay  for  it  500  pounds 
sterling  without  condition,  and  other  sums  conditioned  upon  the 
quantity  of  salt  to  be  made  which  might  increase  the  price  to  10,000 
pounds  sterling.  Having  gone  thus  far,  he  sold  out  his  Shenandoah 
estates,  and  in  1795  removed  himself  and  family  to  Kanawha  to  look 
after  his  salt  property.  Upon  aiuiving  here,  however^  his  penchant 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


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for  rieli  farming  lands  overcame  him,  and  he  purchased  from  George 
and  William  Clendenen  the  large  river  bottom  of  900  acres  extend- 
ing from  the  mouth  of  Elk  river  up  the  Kanawha,  and,  upon  40 
acres  of  which  the  village  of  Charleston  had  been  laid  out  and  start- 
ed the  previous  year.  This  last  purchase,  and  the  subsequent  at- 
tention to  clearing  and  improving  the  farm  diverted  Ruffner’s  at- 
tention for  a time,  from  the  salt  project;  the  delay  was  fatal  so  far 
as  he  was  concerned;  he  did  not  live  to  execute  his  pet  scheme  or 
realize  his  cherished  hopes.  Dying  in  1803,  he  willed  the  property 
to  his  sons,  David  and  Joseph,  enjoining  it  upon  them  to  carry  out, 
as  speedily  as  practicable,  his  plans  of  building  up  extensive  salt 
manufactories  to  supply  not  only  the  increasing  local  demand,  but 
a larger  and  still  more  rapidly  growing  demand  which  was  now  com- 
ing from  the  many  thrifty  settlements  throughout  the  Ohio  Valley. 
During  the  elder  Ruifner’s  life,  however,  he  had  leased  to  one  Elisha 
Brooks  the  use  of  salt  water  and  the  right  to  manufacture  salt,  and 
in  1797,  this  Elisha  Brooks  erected  the  first  salt  furnace  in  Kanawha 
or  in  the  western  country.  It  consisted  of  two  dozen  small  kettles 
set  in  a double  row,  with  a flue  beneath,  a chimney  at  one  end, 
and  a fire  bed  at  the  other. 

To  obtain  a supply  of  salt  water,  he  sank  two  or  three  ^‘gums,’^ 
some  8 or  10  feet  each  in  length,  into  the  mire  or  quick-sand  of  the 
salt  lick,  and  dipped  the  brine  with  a bucket  and  swape,  as  it  oozed 
and  seeped  through  the  sands  below. 

In  this  crude  rough  and  ready  way.  Brooks  managed  to  make 
about  150  pounds  of  salt  per  day,  which  he  sold  at  the  kettles,  at 
8 to  10  cents  per  pound.  No  means  were  used  to  settle  or  purify 
the  brine  or  salt,  as  the  salt  water  came  from  the  gum,  so  it  was 
boiled  down  to  salt  in  the  kettles,  with  whatever  impurities  or  color- 
ing matter  it  contained.  As  it  issues  from  the  earth  it  holds  some 
carbonate  of  iron  in  solution;  when  it  is  boiled,  this  iron  becomes  oxi- 
dized, and  gives  a reddish  tinge  to  the  brine  and  salt. 

This  Kanawha  salt  soon  acquired  a reputation  for  its  strong 
taste,  and  its  superior  (pialities  for  curing  meat,  butter,  etc.  A 
great  many  who  used  it  and  recognized  these  qualities  in  connection 
with  its  striking  reddish  color  came  to  associate  the  two  in  their 
minds  in  the  relation  of  cause  and  effect,  and  orders  used  to  come 
from  far  and  near  for  some  of  ‘ ‘ that  strong,  red  salt  from  the  Kana- 
wha Licks. 

Almost  the  only  mode  of  transporting  salt  beyond  the  neigh- 
l)()rhood  in  those  early  days  was  by  pack  horses,  on  the  primitive, 
back-woods  pack-saddle.  So  much  of  this  was  done,  and  so  familiar 
did  the  public  mind  become  with  the  term,  as  used  in  that  sense, 
that  even  to  this  day,  among  a large  class  of  people,  the  verb  ^Ho 
pack’’  is  always  used  instead  of  other  synonymous  or  similar  terms, 
such  as  carry,  transport,  fetch,  bring,  take,  etc.,  and  the  ^Hote” 
of  Old  Virginia. 

It  was  not  until  1806,  that  the  brothers,  David  and  Joseph  Ruff- 
ner,  set  to  work  to  ascertain  the  source  of  the  salt  water,  to  procure, 


G 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 


if  possible,  a larger  supply  and  of  better  quality,  and  to  prepare  to 
manufactui’e  salt  on  a scale  commensurate  with  the  growing  wants 
of  the  country. 

The  Salt  Lick,  or  the  Great  Buffalo  Lick,”  as  it  was  called, 
was  just  at  the  river’s  edge,  12  or  14  rods  in  extent,  on  the  north 
side,  a few  hundred  yards  above  the  mouth  of  Campbell’s  creek,  and 
just  in  front  of  what  is  now  known  as  the  ^^Thoroughfare  Gap,” 
through  which,  from  the  north,  as  well  as  up  and  down  the  river, 
the  buffalo,  elk  and  otlier  ruminating  aniamls  made  their  way  in 
vast  numbers  to  the  lick.  I may  mention  en  passant  that  so  great 
was  the  fame  of  this  lick,  and  the  herds  of  game  that  frequented  it, 
that  the  hunter,  explorer,  and  eonquerer  of  the  bloody  ground”  of 
Kentucky,  Daniel  Boone,  was  tempted  up  here,  made  a log  cabin 
settlement,  and  lived  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  on  what  is 
now  known  as  the  Donall3^  farm  or  splint  coal  bottom.  I have  had 
from  old  Mr.  Paddy  Huddlestone,  who  died  a few  years  ago,  at 
nearly  one  hundred  years  of  age,  many  interesting  anecdotes  of  their 
joint  adventures  in  hunting  and  trapping.  Boone  still  lived  here,  in 
1789-90,  when  Kanawha  county  was  formed,  and  in  1791  served  as 
one  of  the  delegates  for  the  county,  in  the  Legislature  at  Richmond. 

But  to  return  to  the  lick  and  the  operations  of  the  Ruffner  Broth- 
ers. In  order  to  reach,  if  jmssible,  the  bottom  of  the  mire  and 
oozy  quick-sand  through  which  the  water  flowed,  they  provided 
a straight  well-formed,  hollow  sycamore  ti*ee,  with  four  feet  internal 
diameter,  sawed  off  square  at  each  end.  This  is  technically  called 
a ‘^gum.  ” This  gum  was  set  upright  on  the  spot  selected  for  sink- 
ing, the  large  end  down,  and  held  in  its  perpendicular  position  by 
l^rops  or  braces,  on  the  four  sides.  A platform  upon  which  two  men 
could  stand,  was  fixed  about  the  top;  then  a swape  erected,  having  its 
fulcrum  in  a forked  ]X)st  set  in  the  ground  close  by.  A large 
bucket,  made  from  half  of  a whiskey  bari’el,  was  attached  to  the  end 
of  the  swape,  by  a rope,  and  a I’ope  attached  to  the  end  of  the  pole 
to  pull  down  on,  to  raise  the  bucket.  With  one  man  inside  the  gum 
armed  with  2^ick,  shovel  and  crowbar,  and  three  or  four  to  woi’k  the 
swape,  the  crew  and  outfit  Avere  complete. 

After  many  unexjiccted  difficulties  and  delays,  the  gum,  at  last, 
i-eached  what  seemed  to  be  rock  boltom,  at  13  feet;  iqAon  cutting  it 
with  jiicks  and  crowbars,  howevei',  it  proved  to  be  but  a shale  or 
crust,  about  six  inches  thick,  of  conglomerated  sand,  gravel  and  iron. 
Upon  breaking  through  this  crust  the  water  flowed  ui)  into  the  gum 
more  freely  than  ever,  but  less  salt. 

Discouraged  at  this  result  the  Ruffner  brothers  determined  to 
abandon  this  gum  and  sink  a well  out  in  tlie  bottom,  about  100  yards 
from  the  river.  This  was  done,  encountering  as  before,  many  difti- 
culties  and  delays;  Avhen  they  had  gotten  through  45  feet  of  alluvial 
deposit  they  came  to  the  same  bed  of  sand  and  gravel  u]mn  which 
they  had  started  at  the  river. 

To  penetrate  this  they  made  a 3V2  inch  tube  of  a 20-foot  oak 
log,  by  boring  through  it  with  a long  shanked  augur.  This  tube, 


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sharpened  and  shod  with  iron  at  the  bottom,  was  driven  down,  pile 
driver  fashion,  through  the  sand  to  the  solid  rock.  Through  this  tube 
they  then  let  down  a glass  vial  with  a string  to  catch  the  salt  water 
for  testing. 

They  were  again  doomed  to  disappointment;  the  water,  though 
slightly  brackish,  was  less  salt  than  that  at  the  river.  They  now  de- 
cided to  return  to  the  gum  at  the  river,  and,  if  possible,  to  put  it 
down  to  bed  rock.  This  they  finally  succeeded  in  doing,  finding  the 
rock  at  16  to  17  feet  from  the  surface. 

As  the  bottom  of  the  gum  was  square  and  the  surface  of  the 
rock  uneven,  the  rush  of  outside  water  into  the  gum  was  very  trouble- 
some. By  dint  of  cutting  and  trimming  from  one  side  and  the  other, 
however,  they  were,  at  last,  gotten  nearly  to  a joint,  after  which 
they  resorted  to  thin  wedges,  which  were  driven  here  and  there  as 
they  would  ^^do  the  most  good.’’ 

By  this  means  the  gum  was  gotten  sufficiently  tight  to  be  so 
bailed  out  as  to  determine  whether  the  salt  water  came  up  through 
the  rock.  This  turned  out  to  be  the  case.  The  quantity  welling  up 
through  the  rock  was  extremely  small,  but  the  strength  was  greater 
til  an  any  yet  gotten,  and  this  was  encouraging.  They  were  anxious 
to  follow  it  down,  but  how?  They  could  not  blast  a hole  down  there 
under  water;  but  this  idea  occurred  to  them;  they  knew  that  rock 
blasters  drilled  their  powder  holes  two  or  three  feet  deep,  and  they 
concluded  they  could,  with  a longer  and  larger  drill,  bore  a cor- 
respondingly deeper  and  larger  hole. 

They  fixed  a long  iron  drill,  with  a 2^/2  inch  chisel  bit  of  steel,  and 
attached  the  upper  end  to  a spring  pole,  with  a rope.  In  this  way 
the  boring  went  on  slowly  and  tediously  till  on  the  1st  day  of  No- 
vember, 1807,  at  17  feet  in  the  rock,  a cavity  or  fissure  was  struck, 
which  gave  an  increased  flow  of  stronger  brine.  This  gave  new  en- 
couragement to  bore  still  further;  and  so,  by  welding  increased  length 
of  shaft  to  the  drill,  from  time  to  time,  the  hole  was  carried  down 
28  feet,  where  a still  larger  and  stronger  supply  of  salt  water  was 
gotten. 

Having  now  sufficient  salt  water  to  justify  it,  they  decided  and 
commenced,  to  build  a salt  furnace;  but  while  building,  continu- 
ed the  boring,  and  on  the  15th  of  January,  1808,  at  40  feet  in  the 
rock,  and  58  feet  from  the  top  of  the  gum,  were  rewarded  by  an 
ample  flow  of  strong  brine  for  their  furnace,  and  ceased  boring. 

Now  was  presented  another  difficulty;  how  to  get  the  stronger 
brine  from  the  bottom  of  the  well,  undiluted  by  the  weaker  brines 
and  fresh  water  from  above;  there  was  no  precedent  here;  they  had 
to  invent,  contrive  and  construct  anew.  A metal  tube  would  nat- 
urally suggest  itself  to  them;  but  there  were  neither  metal  tubes, 
nor  sheet  metal,  nor  metal  workers— save  a home-made  blacksmith — 
in  all  this  region,  and  to  bore  a wooden  tube  40  feet  long,  and  small 
enough  in  external  diameter  to  go  in  the  21/2  inch  hole,  was  imprac- 
ticable; what  they  did  do,  was  to  whittle  out  two  long  strips  of 
wood,  two  long  half  tubes  of  the  proper  size,  and,  fitting  the  edges 


8 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 


carefully  together,  wrap  the  whole  from  end  to  end  with  small  twine ; 
this  with  a long  bag  of  wrapping  near  the  lower  end,  to  fit,  as  nearly 
as  practicable,  water  tight,  in  the  2^/2  inch  hole,  was  cautiously  pressed 
down  to  its  place,  and  found  to  answer  the  purpose  perfectly;  the 
l)rine  flowed  up  freely  through  the  tube  into  the  gum,  which  was 
now  provided  with  a water  tight  floor  or  bottom,  to  hold  it;  and 
from  which  it  was  raised  by  the  simple  swape  and  bucket. 

Thus  was  bored  and  tul)ed,  rigged  and  worked,  the  first  rock- 
l)ored  salt  well  west  of  the  Alleghanies,  if  not  in  tlie  United  States. 
The  wonder  is  not  that  it  required  eighteen  months  or  more  to  pre- 
pare, bore  and  complete  this  well  for  use,  l)ut,  rather,  that  it  was 
accomplished  at  all  under  the  circumstances.  In  these  times,  when 
such  a work  can  be  accomplished  in  as  many  days  as  it  then  re- 
quired months,  it  is  difficult  to  appreciate  the  difficulties,  doubts, 
delays  and  general  troubles  that  beset  them  then.  Without  pre- 
liminary study,  previous  experience  or  training,  without  precedents 
in  what  they  undertook,  in  a newly  settled  country,  without  steam 
power,  machine  shops,  skilled  mechanics,  suitable  tools  or  mater- 
ials, failure,  rather  than  success,  might  reasonably  have  been  pre- 
dicted. 

The  new  furnace  which  had  for  some  time  been  under  construc- 
tion, was  now  complete.  It  was  simply  a reproduction  of  tlie  Elisha 
Brooks  kettle  furnace  on  a larger  scale.  There  were  more  kettles, 
of  larger  size,  and  better  arranged. 

On  the  8th  of  February,  1808,  the  Ruffner  Bros.,  made  their  first 
lifting  of  salt  from  this  furnace,  and  simultaneously  reduced  the 
j^rice  to  tlie,  then,  unprecedentedly  low  figure  of  four  cents  per 
pound. 

From  this  time  forward,  salt  making,  as  one  of  the  leading  in- 
dustries of  Kanawha,  was  an  established  fact,  and  Kanawha  salt 
one  of  the  leading  commercial  articles  of  the  west;  and  wherever  it 
has  gone  from  the  Alleghanies  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  from  the 
Lakes  to  the  Gnlf,  its  superior  (pialities  have  been  recognized  and 
appreciated. 

The  neighboring  property  owners  who  had  watched  the  progress 
and  result  of  the  Ruffner  well  with  such  deep  interest,  now  insti- 
tuted borings  on  their  own  lands,  above  and  below,  and  on  both 
sides  of  the  river.  Among  these  early  enterprising  experimenters 
were  William  Wliitaker,  Tobias  Ruffner,  Andrew  Donally,  and 
others.  All  were  more  or  less  successful  in  getting  a sujijily  of  brine, 
at  depths  varying  from  50  to  100  feet,  and  liy  1817  there  were  some 
;}()  furnaces  and  15  or  20  wells  in  o])eralion,  making  in  the  aggJ’e- 
gate  600,000  or  700,000  bushels  of  salt. 

In  this  year  an  important  revelation  in  the  manufacture  of  salt 
was  effected  by  the  discovery  of  coal.  Although,  in  one  of  the  finest 
coal  fields  in  the  world,  coal  had  not,  hitliei-to,  been  found  here  in 
workable  seams,  nor  been  used  at  all,  exce})t  for  blacksmith  purj)oses. 
Wood  had  been  the  only  fuel  used  in  salt  making,  and  for  othei- 
purposes,  and  all  the  bottoms  and  convenient  hill  slopes  for  several 


WEST  VIEGINIA^GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


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miles  lip  and  down  the  river  had  been  stripped  of  their  timber 
to  supply  this  demand. 

David  Rnffner,  true  to  the  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  pluck, 
which  bored  the  first  well,  was  the  first  here  to  use  coal  as  a fuel. 
Tliis  would  a}ipear  to  be  a very  simple  matter  now;  but  was  not  so 
then.  It  was  only  after  many  months  of  discouraging  effort,  and 
failing  experiments,  that  he  finally  succeeded  in  getting  it  to  work 
to  his  satisfaction.  Its  value  established,  however,  its  use  was,  at 
once,  adopted  by  tlie  otlier  furnaces,  and  wood  ceased  to  be  used  as 
a fuel  for  salt  making  in  Kanawha. 

Other  important  improvements  were  gradually  going  on  in  the 
manner  of  boring,  tubing  and  pumping  wells,  &c.  The  first  progress 
made  in  tubing,  after  Ruffner’s  compound  wood-and-wrapping- 
twine  tube,  was  made  by  a tinner  who  had  located  in  Charleston  to 
make  tin  cups  and  coffee  pots  for  the  multitude.  He  made  tin 
tubes  in  convenient  lengths  and  soldered  them  together  as  they 
were  put  down  the  well.  The  refinement  of  screw  joints  had  not  yet 
come,  but  followed  shortly  after,  in  connection  with  copper  pipes, 
which  soon  took  the  place  of  tin,  and  these  are  recently  giving 
place  to  iron. 

In  the  manner  of  bagging  the  wells,  that  is,  in  forming  a 
water-tight  joint  around  tlie  tube  to  shut  off  the  weaker  waters 
above  fi-om  the  stronger  below,  a sim}de  ai-i-angement,  called  a ‘Cseed 
bag,’’  was  fallen  upon,  which  proved  very  effective,  which  has  sur- 
vived to  this  day,  and  has  been  a(loi)te(l  wherever  dee])  boring  is 
done,  as  one  of  the  standard  a])])liances  for  the  ])ur])ose  of  which  it/ 
is  used.  This  seed-bag  is  made  of  buckskin,  or  soft  calf-skin,  sew- 
ed u])  like  a sleeve  of  a coat  or  leg  of  a stocking;  made  12  to  15 
inches  long,  about  the  size  of  the  hole  and  o])en  at  both  ends;  this 
is  sli])|)e(l  over  the  lube  and  one  end  securely  vvrap})ed  over  knots 
placed  on  the  tube  to  pi-event  sli])i)ing.  Some  six  or  eight  inches  of 
the  bag  is  then  filled  with  flaxseed,  eilher  alone  or  mixed  with 
powdered  gum  ti-agacauth ; the  oi  lier  end  of  the  bag  is  then  wrapped 
like  the  first,  and  the  tube  is  ready  for  the  well.  When  to  their  jilace 
— and  they  are  jiiit  down  any  dejith,  to  hundi-eds  of  feet — Ihe  seed 
and  gum  soon  swell  from  the  water  they  absorb,  till  a close  fit  and 
water-tight  joint  are  made. 

The  hydi-aulic  contrivance  for  raising  salt  water  from  the  gums, 
consisting  of  a bucket,  a swajie  and  a man,  was  simjile,  slow  and 
sure;  but  the  siiirit  of  ])rogi-ess  was  abroad  and  it  soon  gave  iilaee 
to  a more  comjilicated  arrangement,  consisting  of  a pumj),  lever, 
crank,  shaft,  and  blind  horse  or  mule,  that  revolved  in  its  orbit 
ai'ound  the  shaft.  This  was  considered  a wonderful  achievement  in 
mechanical  contrivance,  esjiecially  by  the  men  who  had  worked  the 
swa])es. 

For  several  years  this  ^Miorse-mill  ” as  it  was  called,  was  the  only 
mode  of  ])umping  salt  water  on  Kanawha,  but  in  the  fullness  of 
time  it  also  went  to  the  rear  in  1828  and  the  steam  engine  came  to 


10 


HISTOKICAL  SKETCH 


the  front,  not  only  for  pumping,  but  also  for  boring  wells  and  various 
other  uses. 

In  1831  William  Morris,  or  Billy’’  Morris,  as  be  was  familiarly 
called,  a very  ingenius  and  successful  practical  well  borer,  invent- 
ed a simple  tool,  which  has  done  more  to  render  deep  boring  prac- 
ticable, simple  and  cheap,  than  anything  else  since  the  introduction 
of  steam. 

This  tool  has  always  been  called  here  Slips,”  but  in  the  oil 
regions  they  have  given  it  the  name  of  ^^Jars.”  It  is  a long  double 
link  with  jaws  that  fit  closely,  but  slide  loosely  up  and  down.  They 
are  made  of  the  best  of  steel,  are  about  30  inches  long,  and  fitted, 
top  and  bottom,  with  pin  and  socket  joint,  respectively.  For  use 
they  are  interposed  between  the  heavy  iron  sinker,  with  its  cutting 
chisel  bit  below  and  the  line  of  augur  poles  above.  Its  object  is  to 
let  the  heavy  sinker  and  bit  have  a clear,  quick,  cutting  fall,  unob- 
structed and  unencumbered  by  the  slower  motion  of  the  long  line  of 
augur  poles  above.  In  the  case  of  fast  augur  or  other  tools  in  the 
well,  they  are  also  used  to  give  heavy  jars  upward  or  downward,  or 
l)oth,  to  loosen  them.  From  this  use  the  oil  well  people  have  given 
them  the  name  of  ^^Jars.  ” 

Billy  Morris  never  patented  his  invention,  and  never  asked  for 
nor  made  a dollar  out  of  it,  but  as  a public  benefactor  he  deserves 
to  rank  with  the  inventors  of  the  sewing  machine,  planing  machine, 
])rinting  cylinders,  cotton  gin,  &c. 

This  tool  has  been  adopted  into  general  use  wherever  deep  bor- 
ing is  done,  but,  outside  of  Kanawha,  few  have  heard  of  Billy  Mor- 
ris, or  know  where  the  slips  or  jars  came  from. 

The  invention  of  this  tool,  the  adoption  of  the  heavy  sinker  and 
some  other  minor  improvements  in  well  boring,  gave  a great  im- 
petus to  deep  boring  in  Kanawha.  Wells  were  put  down  500,  1,000, 
1,500  and  1,800  feet,  and  one,  the  deepest  in  Kanawha,  l)y  Charles 
Reynolds,  to  about  2,000  feet.  These  borings  would  doubtless  have 
been  carried  to  a much  greater  depth,  but  that  the  fact  soon  got  to 
be  understood  that  the  salt-bearing  strata  had  been  passed,  and 
that  no  brines  were  obtained  at  a greater  depth  than  800  to  1,000 
feet.  The  limit  of  the  salt-bearing  rocks  is  readily  told  by  the  char- 
acter of  the  borings.  Within  this  limit  are  sandstones,  shale,  coal, 
&c.,  of  the  Coal  Measures  lying  nearly  horizontal,  though  dipping 
slightly  to  the  northwest;  below  is  the  Carboniferous  Limestone  which 
underlies  the  Coal  Measures,  and  crops  out  100  miles  to  the  eastward. 
This  limestone,  when  penetrated,  is  known  to  the  well-borers  as  the 
‘Cong-running  rock,”  from  the  fact  that  a boring-bit  will  run  a long 
time  in  it  without  being  dulled. 

No  regular  suites  of  samples  of  borings  from  the  Kanawha  wells 
have  ever  been  kept.  This  is  not  important,  however,  as  the  strata 
are  well  known,  and  can  be  examined  along  the  New  River  canon  as 
they  cro])  to  the  eastward. 

The  Kanawha  borings  have  educated  and  sent  forth  a set  of 
skillful  well-borers,  all  over  the  country,  who  have  bored  for  water 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


11 


for  irrigation  on  the  western  plains,  for  artesian  wells  for  city,  fac- 
tory, private  nse,  for  salt  water  at  various  places,  for  oil  all  over  the 
country,  for  geological  or  mineralogical  explorations,  &c.,  &c. 

Nearly  all  the  Kanawha  salt  wells  have  contained  more  or  less 
petroleum  oil,  and  some  of  the  deepest  wells  a considerable  flow. 
Many  persons  now  think,  trusting  to  their  recollections,  that  some  of 
the  wells  afforded  as  much  as  25  to  50  barrels  per  day.  This  was 
allowed  to  flow  over  from  the  top  of  the  salt  cisterns,  on  the  river, 
wliere,  from  its  specific  gravity,  it  spread  over  a large  surface,  and 
by  its  beautiful  irridescent  hues,  and  not  very  savory  odor,  could 
be  traced  for  many  miles  down  the  stream.  It  was  from  this  that 
the  river  received  the  familiar  nickname  of  ‘ ‘ Old  Greasy,  ’ ’ by 
which  it  was  familiarly  known  by  Kanawha  boatmen  and  others. 

At  that  time  this  oil  not  only  had  no  value,  but  was  considered 
a great  nuisance,  and  every  effort  was  made  to  tube  it  out  and  get 
rid  of  it. 

In  1775,  Gen.  Washington  visited  the  Kanawha  valley  in  per- 
son, and  located  some  very  valuable  lands  for  his  military  services. 
Al)()ut  three  miles  above  tlie  Salt  Lick,  he  set  apart  and  deeded  to 
tlie  public,  forever,  a square  acre  of  land  near  the  river,  on  which 
was  a great  natural  wonder,  then  little  understood,  called  a ^G)urn- 
ing  spring.”  Fo]-  many  years  after,  it  was  visited  by  every  one 
who  came  to  or  passed  through  KanaAvha,  as  one  of  the  great  curi- 
osities of  the  region.  It  was  simply  a liole  in  the  ground,  which 
filled  with  Avater  Avlien  it  rained,  and  up  through  Avhich  issued  a jet 
of  gas,  giving  the  Avater  the  appearance  of  boiling,  and  Avhen  light- 
ed i)urned  Avith  a brigiit  flame  till  blown  out  by  high  Avind. 

In  1841,  William  Tompkins,  in  boring  a salt  well  a short  dis- 
faiK'e  above  fhe  burning  spring,  struck  a large  flow  of  gas,  Avliicdi 
he  turned  to  account  by  ^‘boiling  his  furnace”  and  making  salt  Avith 
it,  effecting  a great  saving  in  fuel  and  economy  in  the  cost  of  salt. 

In  1843,  Messrs.  Dickinson  & ShreAvsberry,  boring  a fcAv  rods 
beloAv,  tapped  at  about  1,000  feet  in  depth,  nature’s  great  gas  res- 
ervoir of  this  region.  So  great  was  the  pressure  of  this  gas,  and 
the  force  Avith  Avhich  it  Avas  vented  through  this  bore-hole,  that  the 
augur,  consisting  of  a heavy  iron  sinker,  weighing  some  500  pounds, 
ami  sevei-al  hundi-cd  feet  moi’e  of  augur  poles,  weighing  in  all,  per- 
haps 1,000  pounds,  was  shot  up  out  of  the  Avell  like  an  arroAv  out  of  a 
cross-bow.  With  it  came  a column  of  salt  Avater,  which  stood  prob- 
ably 150  feet  high.  The  roaring  of  this  gas  and  Avater,  as  they  is- 
sued, could  be  heard  under  favorable  conditions  for  several  miles. 

It  would  have  been  difficult  to  estimate  Avith  any  approach  to 
accuracy,  the  (|uantity  of  gas  vented  by  this  well,  and  no  attempt  was 
made  to  measure  it.  I heard  it  roughly  estimated  as  being  enough 
to  ligiit  London  and  Paris,  Avith,  perhaps,  enough  left  to  supply  a 
i'ew  such  villages  as  New  York  and  Philadelphia.  Put  as  this  is  a 
salt  Avell,  as  Avell  as  gas  Avell,  1 suggest  that  the  gas  estimates  be 
taken,  cum  grano  sails. 

While  this  well  Avas  bloAving  it  Avas  the  custom  of  the  stage 


12 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 


drivers,  as  they  passed  down  by  it,  to  stop  and  let  their  passengers 
take  a look  at  the  novel  and  wonderful  display.  On  one  occasion 
a professor  from  Harvard  College  was  one  of  the  stage  passengers, 
and  being  a man  of  investigating  and  experimenting  turn  of  mind, 
he  went  as  near  the  well  as  he  could  get  for  the  gas  and  spray  of 
the  falling  water,  and  ligiited  a match  to  see  if  the  gas  would  burn. 
Instantly  the  whole  atmosphere  was  ablaze,  the  Professor’s  hair  and 
eye-brows  singed,  and  his  clothes  afire.  The  well-frame  and  engine- 
house  also  took  fire,  and  were  much  damaged.  The  Professor,  who 
had  jumped  into  the  river  to  save  himself  from  the  fire,  crawled 
out,  and  back  to  the  stage  as  best  he  could,  and  went  on  to  Charles- 
ton, where  he  took  to  bed,  and  sent  for  a doctor  to  dress  his  burns. 

Colonel  Dickinson,  one  of  the  owners  of  the  well,  hearing  of  the 
burning  of  his  engine-house  and  well-frame,  sent  for  his  man  of  af- 
fairs, Col.  Woodyard,  and  ordered  him  to  follow  the  unknown  stage 
passenger  to  town,  get  warrant,  have  him  arrested  and  punished,  for 
wilfully  and  wantonly  burning  his  property, — unless  you  find  that 
the  fellow  is  a natural  d d fool,  and  didn’t  know  any  better.  Ar- 

riving at  Charleston,  Woodyard  went  to  the  room  of  the  burnt  Pro- 
fessor at  the  hotel,  finding  him  in  bed,  his  face  and  hands  blistered, 
and  in  a sorry  plight  generally.  He  proceeded  to  state  in  very  plain 
terms,  the  object  of  his  visit,  at  whicli  the  Professor  seemed  greatly 
worried  and  alarmed,  not  knowing  the  extent  of  this  additional 
impending  trouble,  Avhich  his  folly  had  brought  upon  him.  Before 
lie  had  expressed  himself  in  words,  however,  Woodyard  proceeded 
to  deliver,  verbatim,  and  with  great  emphasis  the  codicil  to  Dickin- 
son’s instructions.  The  Professor,  notwithstanding  his  physical  pain 
and  mental  alarm,  seemed  to  take  in  the  ludicrousness  of  the  whole 
case,  and  with  an  effort  to  smile  through  his  blisters,  i-eplied  that  it 
seemed  a pretty  hard  alternative;  but  under  the  circumstances,  he 
felt  it  his  duty  to  confess  under  the  last  clause,  and  escape.  Well, 
said  Woodyard,  if  this  is  your  decision,  my  duty  is  ended,  and  I bid 
you  good  morning. 

The  salt  water  and  gas  from  this  well  were  partially  collected 
and  conveyed  through  wooden  pipes,  to  the  nearest  furnace,  where 
they  were  used  in  making  salt.  , 

For  many  years  this  natural  flow  of  gas  lifted  the  salt  water 
1,000  feet  from  the  bottom  of  the  well,  forced  it  a mile  or  more 
through  ])i])es,  to  a salt  furnace,  raised  it  into  a reservoir,  boiled  it 
in  the  furnace,  and  lighted  the  pi'emises  all  around  at  night.  About 
the  only  objection  to  the  arrangement  was,  that  it  did  not  lift  the 
salt  and  i)ack  it  in  barrels. 

The  success  of  this  well  induced  other  salt  makers  to  bore  dee]:> 
wells  for  gas,  and  several  were  successful.  Messrs.  Worth  & Fnglish, 
Tom))kins,  Welch  & (k).,  Wm.  D.  Shrewsberry,  J.  H.  Fry,  and  J,  S.  0. 
Bi'ooks,  got.  gas  wells  and  used  the  gas  either  alone,  or  in  coinuiction 
with  coal,  for  fiiel,  in  salt  making.  Gas  was  also  struck  in  a few 
other  Avells,  but  did  not  last  long,  and  Avas  not  utilized. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


13 


The  first  (iow  of  ^'iis  ever  struck  in  Kanavvlui,  was  as  far  back  as 
ISlf),  ill  a well  bored  by  Gapt.  James  Wilson,  within  the  present  city 
limits  of  Charleston,  near  the  residence  of  (f  (k  Lewis,  Ksq. 

The  Captain  had  not  i^otten  as  £>;'ood  salt  water  as  he  expected ; 
blit  instead  of  being:  di  scon  ragged,  he  declared  in  laipgiiage  emphatic, 

that  he  Avoiild  have  better  brine  or  bore  the  well  into  lower 

regions,  with  higher  temjieratnre. 

Shortly  after  this  the  augur  struck  a cavity  which  gave  vent  to 
an  immense  flow  of  gas  and  salt  water.  The  gas  caught  fire  from  a 
grate  near  at  hand,  and  blazed  up  with  great  force  and  brilliancy, 
much  to  the  consternation  of  the  well-borers  and  others.  Capt.  Wil- 
son thought  it  would  he  a reckless  tempting  of  providence  to  go  any 
deeper,  and  ordered  the  boring  stopped. 

This  well  is  now  owned  by  the  Charleston  Gas  Light  Company, 
which  at  some  future  time  contemplates  re-opening  it  to  test  the  gas 
for  lighting  the  city. 

Of  the  many  wells  in  the  neighborhood  that  have  furnished  gas, 
some  have  stopped  suddenly,  and  some  by  a slow  and  gradual  process. 
Whether  these  stoppages  have  been  from  exhaustion  of  the  gas,  or 
sudden  or  gradual  stop^iage  of  the  vent-ways,  has  not  been  definitely 
determined.  It  is  knoAvn,  however,  that  in  the  Dickinson  and  Shrews- 
berry  well,  Avhich  blew  longer  than  any  other,  that  the  copper  pipes 
in  the  well,  and  the  wooden  jiiiies  leading  to  the  furnace,  were  lined 
with  a mineral  deposit  in  some  places  nearly  closing  them.  This  de- 
posit has  not  been  analyzed,  but  may  possibly  be  silicate  of  lime. 
A system  of  torpedoing  might  break  up  these  incrustations  from  the 
walls  of  the  well  and  rock  cavities,  and  start  the  gas  again.’’ 

Natural  Gas  First  Used  for  Manufacturing  Purposes  in  the 
Kanawha  Valley. 

From  these  facts  as  given  by  Dr.  Hale,  it  will  be  perceiv- 
ed that  the  claim  of  priority  for  West  Virginia  in  all  of  the  es- 
sential elements  of  the  petroleum  industry  of  the  United  States, 
is  fully  sustained,  for  here  were  invented  practically  all  of 
those  tools  and  apjiliances  without  which  the  deep  drilling  of 
the  present  day  Avould  be  impossible.  This  record  also  shows 
that  the  use  of  natural  gas  for  manufacturing  jjurposes  was 
first  begun  within  the  United  States  by  Mr.  Tompkins  of  the 
Kanawha  Valley,  a utilization  which  now  plays  such  an  im- 
l)ortant  part  in  industr*ial  alfairs,  and  which  is  destined  to 
continue  until  the  age  of  gas  is  fully  inaugurated,  and  the 
general  use  of  coal  in  its  crude  or  unmanufactured  condition 
is  abandoned  in  all  populous  communities.  The  extravagant 
methods  which  have  characterized  the  first  decade  of  the  re- 


14 


HISTOEICAL  SKETCH 


cunt  greatly  increased  use  oi  natural  gas,  will  have  been  large- 
ly compensated  for,  should  they  finally  lead  to  the  use  of  cohe 
instead  of  coal,  and  to  the  saving  of  the  gas  for  fuel  and  genera.; 
heating  purposes  which  is  now  lost  in  our  wasteful  and  unscien- 
tific coke  ovens  of  the  bee-hive  pattern. 

Petroleum  Discovered  in  the  Early  tSalt  Borings. 

In  these  early  salt  boivings  on  the  Great  Kanawha,  con- 
siderable quantities  of  petroleum  were  often  found  in  the 
sands  of  the  Coal  Measures  (Pottsville  series,)  and  much  of  it 
was  utilized  in  oiling  machinery  and  for  torch  lights,  while 
many  barrels  of  it  were  transi)orted  and  sold  to  other  regions. 

The  methods  of  boring  invented  on  the  Kanawha  soon 
spread  to  adjoining  States,  especially  to  Ohio,  where  in  the 
Muskingum  region,  efforts  to  secure  brine  for  salt  manufac- 
ture, led  to  discoveries  of  petroleum  and  natural  gas,  just  as 
they  had  previously  done  on  the  Great  Kanawha. 

Dr.  Hildreth’s  Account  of  the  Early  Petroleum  Industry. 

Very  fortunately  for  science,  a learned  and  accomplished 
physician,  who  was  also  one  of  the  pioneer  geologists  of  Ohio, 
Dr.  S.  P.  Hildreth,  resided  at  Marietta  during  the  early  period 
in  petroleum  history,  and  he  has  left  a carefully  written  ac- 
count of  these  drilling  operations  and  their  results  from  which 
we  get  a glimpse  of  the  beginning  of  the  petroleum  industry 
in  Ohio,  and  by  inference  therefrom,  its  previous  history  in 
what  is  now  West  Virginia.  This  article  was  published  in  the 
American  Journal  of  Science  and  Arts,  Vol.  X,  New  Haven, 
Connecticut,  February,  1826,  pages  1-8  inclusive,  under  the  title 
of  ‘‘Pacts  relating  to  certain  parts  of  the  State  of  Ohio,”  by 
S.  P.  Hildreth,  M.  D.  After  speaking  of  limestone  that  is 
thick  and  abundant,  he  continues  on  page  4 as  follows : 

Below  these  beds  of  limestone  you  pass  through  a stratum  of 
cday,  sometimes  of  fossil  coal;  this  is  of  various  depths  in  different 
j^arts  of  the  county*;  after  which  you  come  to  that  vast  and  exten- 
sive bed  of  rock,  which  underlies  the  country  from  the  Allegliany 
mountains  to  the  Mississippi  river,  for  aught  I have  heard.  Tlie 
thickness  of  this  rock  has  never  been  ascertained,  but  at  the  depth  of 
from  150  to  400  feet,  this  rock  is  strongly  impregnated  with  salt 
and  if  on  boring  to  that  depth  you  are  so  fortunate  as  to  hnd  water, 
I believe  that  water  invariably  holds  in  solution  a greater  or  less 


Washington  county. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUREVY 


15 


quantity  of  the  muriate  of  soda.  Two  attempts  at  borin^^  for  salt 
•water  have  been  made  in  tliis  county.  The  first  was  made  two  or 
tliree  years  since,  al)out  40  miles  from  Marietta,  near  tlie  Muskin- 
gum i-iver;  they  pi’oceeded  to  the  depth  of  about  200  feet,  and  their 
prosj^ects  of  obtaining  'water  rather  diminishing  than  increasing,  they 
gave  up  the  work.  The  other  trial  is  now  making,  on  the  waters  of 
Little  Muskingum  creek,  about  12  miles  from  Marietta.  It  is  two 
years  since  they  began  to  bore,  working  at  it  only  in  the  summer  and 
autumnal  months.  They  have  penetrated  the  rock  to  the  depth  of 
300  feet,  and  have  as  yet  found  no  salt  water;  but  the  cattle  are  very 
fond  of  licking  the  fine  dust  of  the  rock,  which  comes  up  on  the 
drills  in  the  form  of  mud,  which  is  an  evidence  that  it  contains  salt, 
'fhere  is  a continual  discharge  of  carbonated  hydrogen  gas  from  the 
well ; and  also  from  the  bed  of  the  creek  on  which  the  well  is  situated, 
at  various  places  for  the  distance  of  half  a mile.  This  gas  is  high- 
ly inflammable,  and  where  there  is  a free  discharge  of  it,  it  will  take 
fire  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  on  the  application  of  a lighted  stick, 
or  the  flash  of  a gun,  and  continue  burning  for  days,  unless  put  out 
by  a heavy  shower  or  a high  wind.  It  was  this  discharge  of  gas  that 
induced  the  present  proprietors  to  search  for  salt  water.  It  being  in- 
variably found,  to  accompany  all  the  salt  water  of  any  consequence, 
that  has  been  discovered  in  the  western  country.''^' 

‘It  is  this  discharge  of  gas  that  brings  the  salt  water  from  such 
vast  depths  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  to  the  surface.  And  where 
water  has  been  discovered,  and  the  supply  of  gas  has  failed,  the  water 
has  immediately  sunk  in  the  well,  and  could  not,  by  any  means  used, 
be  brought  again  to  the  top  of  the  well. 

They  commonly  bore,  at  the  wells  of  Little  Muskingum,  to  the 
depth  of  400  to  500  feet,  unless  salt  water  is  found  before  they  reach 
that  distance.  They  are  encouraged  then  to  continue,  from  their 
knowledge  of  the  depth  at  which  others  obtained  very  good  water,  on 
the  west  branch  of  Duck  Creek,  four  or  five  miles  above  the  line  of 
Washington,  in  Guernsey  county.  They  have  sunk  two  wells  which 
are  now  more  than  400  feet  in  depth.  One  of  them  affords  a very 
strong  and  pure  water,  but  not  in  great  quantity.  The  other  dis- 
charges such  vast  quantities  of  petroleum,  or  as  it  is  vulgarly  called, 
^^Seneka  Oil,”  and  besides  is  subject  to  such  tremendous  explosions 
of  gas,  as  to  force  out  all  the  water,  and  afford  nothing  but  gas  for 
several  days,  that  they  make  but  little  or  no  salt.  Nevertheless  the 
petroleum  affords  considerable  profit,  and  is  beginning  to  be  in  de- 
mand for  lamps,  in  workshops  and  manufactories.  It  affords  a clear, 
brisk  light  when  })urnt  this  way,  and  will  be  a valuable  article  for 
lighting  the  street  lamps  in  the  future  cities  of  Ohio.” 

‘‘The  rock  in  which  these  wells  are  sunk  is  of  various  density 
and  composition.  In  some  places  for  one  or  two  feet  the  workmen 
can  gain  only  an  inch  or  perhaps  half  an  inch  in  a day,  and  then  they 


‘Evidciitly^refcrrini?  to  tlie.Grcat  Kuiiiiwhu  Valley.— 1.  C.  W. 


16 


HISTOEICAL  SKETCH 


have  their  drills  to  sharpen  every  few  minutes;  the  rock  is  so  much 
harder  than  the  hardest  steel  that  it  is  very  difticult  to  get  a drill 
to  stand  it  at  all. 

At  other  places  in  the  rock  they  penetrate  from  one  to  two  feet 
in  a day.  In  this  course  of  drilling  they  often  pass  through  as  many 
as  three  or  four  layers  of  fossil  coal,  at  various  depths  in  the  rock; 
and  it  is  generally  the  fact,  that  immediately  after  the  salt  water  ap- 
pears, they  pass  a stratum  of  stone  coal  of  considerable  thickness^ 
Ijerhaps  six  or  eight  inches.’’ 

Early  Use  of  Petroleum  Shown  by  Dr.  Hildreth. 

This  interesting  account,  it  must  be  remembered,  was  pub- 
lished in  1826,  and  as  may  be  seen  from  the  same,  petroleum 
was  then  coming  into  general  use  for  illuminating  purposes 
in  the  region.  Now,  as  it  is  well  known  that  the  well  borers  of 
Ohio  learned  their  art  in  the  Great  Kanawha  Valley  many 
years  before  (1806-1820)  where  much  petroleum  had  been 
found  in  boring  for  salt,  and  utilized  in  the  same  manner  as  on 
the  Muskingum,  it  can  readily  be  seen  that  the  Great  Kanawha 
Valley  region  of  West  Virginia  (then  a part  of  Virginia)  was 
the  real  pioneer  in  the  discovery  of  petroleum  by  boring,  and 
that  it,  as  well  as  natural  gas,  was  first  utilized  on  a commer- 
cial scale  in  the  Kanawha  Valley;  so  that  the  account  which  Dr. 
Hildreth  has  left  concerning  the  discovery  and  use  of  petroleum 
on  the  Muskingum  might  have  been  written  fifteen  years  earlier 
for  the  Great  Kanawha,  had  the  geologist  lived  at  Charleston 
instead  of  Marietta.  As  a matter  of  fact  Dr.  Hildreth  did 
visit  the  Great  Kanawha,  as  well  as  the  Little  Kanawha  region 
soon  after  1826,  for  in  1836  he  published  a long  paper  in  the 
American  Journal  of  Science,  Vol.  29,  entitled  ^^Observations 
on  the  Bituminous  Coal  Deposits  of  the  Valley  of  the  Ohio,”  in 
which  on  page  121  he  describes  the  petroleum  found  in  the 
salt  wells  near  Charleston,  the  oil  and  gas  on  the  Big  Sandy 
(page  129,)  and  the  oil  pits  on  Hughes  River  (page  86.) 

In  another  paper  published  in  Vol.  24  of  the  same  jour- 
nal, in  1833,  “On  the  Saliferous  Rock  Formations  in  the  Val- 
ley of  the  Ohio,”  page  46,  he  describes  one  of  the  earliest  oil 
wells  of  the  country,  drilled  in  1814,  and  located  on  the  land 
of  Mr.  McKee,  on  Duck  Creek.  This  well  had  been  bored  for 
salt  water,  and  at  a depth  of  475  feet  (evidently  in  the  Dunk- 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


17 


ard  or  Cow  Iliin  Sand)  had  struck  a Howing  oil  well,  which 
at  first  produced  a large  quantity  of  oil,  “flowing  30  to  60 
gallons  at  each  eruption,  but  now  (1833)  only  one  barrel  week- 
ly.” 

Little  Kanawha,  Hughes  Rive?',  ete. 

The  Little  Kanawha  river  and  its  principal  tributary,  the 
Hughes,  have  also  played  very  important  parts  in  the  early 
petroleum  history  of  the  country. 

A prominent  anticlinal  axis  crosses  the  Great  Kanawha 
near  the  “burning  spring,”  and  probably  the  same  uplift  ex- 
tending to  the  north  across  the  Little  Kanawha,  the  Hughes, 
the  Ohio,  and  up  into  the  IMuskingum  region,  develops  a line 
of  ‘^burning”  and  peU'oleimi  ‘‘springs”  throughout  its  course, 
so  that  the  Little  Kanawha  also  had  its  “hurnmg  springs,”  as 
well  as  the  Great  Kanawha.  Where  this  arch  crosses  Hughes 
river  near  the  California  House,  two  miles  below  the  junction 
of  the  North  and  South  Forks,  it  brings  one  of  the  “shallow 
sand”  oil  rocks  (Dunkard)  above  drainage  level,  and  the  oil 
seepage  from  this  and  the  underlying  beds  had  long  ago  filled 
the  flood  plain  sands  and  clays  with  oil.  Just  when  this 
surface  deposit  of  oil  was  first  observed,  and  collected,  we 
have  no  authentic  account,  but  probably  from  the  earliest  settle- 
ment of  the  region  by  the  whites,  and  possibly  earlier  still  by 
the  aborigines.  As  related  above,  it  was  first  described  by  Dr. 
Hildreth  in  1836,  who  states  that  50  to  100  barrels  were  collect- 
ed and  sold  during  each  season,  even  at  that  early  day,  and 
hence  the  industry  must  have  existed  for  many  years  before. 

Early  Oil  Operations  of  Mr.  Oeorge  S.  Lemon,  on  Hughes  River. 

3'he  flood  plain  deposits  or  river  sands  which  held  the  oil 
were  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  stream,  and  the  first 
settlers  dug  pits  into  them,  washed  out  the  oil,  and  collected 
it  with  cloths  and  in  other  primitive  ways  for  the  markets  at 
Parkersburg,  Marietta,  Cincinnati  and  elsewhere.  One  of  the 
early  operators  engaged  in  the  business  of  collecting  and 
marketing  this  “mud  oil,”  as  it  was  called,  of  whom  we  have 
an  authentic  account,  was  George  S.  Lemon,  who  came  from 
eastern  Virginia  in  1835  and  settled  at  the  forks  of  the  Hughes 


18 


HISTOKICAL  SKETCH 


river.  I^he  oil  deposits  two  itiiles  below  W(Te  well  known  at  that 
time,  aiid  Mr.  Lemon  soon  began  the  business  of  collecting  and 
selling  the  oil.  In  his  employ  was  an  intelligent  mulatto  nam- 
ed llugill,  or  llugle,  who  had  learned  the  well-borer’s  art  on 
the  Great  Kanawha,  and  being  in  need  of  salt,  Mr.  Lemon 
concluded  to  sink  a well  for  brine  on  the  left  bank  of  Hughes 
River,  and  300  yards  above  the  oil  pit  diggings,  at  a locality 
where  he  had  noticed  cattle  licking  the  rocks.  Aided  by  the 
inventive  genius  of  Hugill,  Mr.  Lemon  rigged  up  an  arrange- 
ment for  drilling  the  well  bj^  water  power  (probably  the  first 
of  its  kind  in  the  country,)  and  thus  the  hole  was  soon  drilled 
to  a considerable  depth,  or  to  something  over  100  feet,  as  re- 
membered by  Mr.  Albert  Lemon  (son  of  George  S.,)  where  a 
flow  of  salt  water,  oil  and  gas  was  struck.  This  was  in  1844 
according  to  Mr.  Albert  Lemon,  and  the  oil  rendering  the  salt 
water  useless,  the  inventive  talent  of  Llugill  was  again  drawn 
upon.  Through  his  assistance,  Mr.  Lemon  perfected  a siphon 
arrangement  for  automatically  removing  the  water  from  the 
trough  into  which  the  well  flowed,  and  in  this  manner  about 
one  barrel  of  oil  was  daily  saved  from  the  well,  and  added  to 
the  supply  from  the  sand  pits.  This  was  termed  ‘‘sand  oil,” 
and  was  found  to  command  a price  higher  in  the  markets,  by 
five  cents  per  gallon,  than  the  “mud  oil”  from  the  sand  dig- 
gings. The  well  continued  to  flow  about  once  daily  for  a con- 
siderable time,  but  whether  it  was  ever  pumped  for  oil  or  not, 
after  it  ceased  to  flow,  the  accounts  are  conflicting.  It  was 
located  about  150  yards  from  the  mouth  of  Flint  run,  and  the 
old  timbers  of  the  dam  for  water  power,  and  the  rocks  between 
which  the  water  turned  the  wheel  may  still  be  seen  in  situ,  just 
under  a modern  well  which  now  obtains  its  supply  of  oil  from 
the  upper  portion  of  the  “Salt  Sand”  at  a depth  of  600  feet. 

Soon  after  Mr.  Lemon  had  begun  to  market  the  oil  from 
the  pits  and  profits  were  accumulating  therefrom,  a question 
arose  between  him  and  Mr.  Bushrod  W.  Creel  concerning  th(i 
title  to  the  land  on  which  the  oil  x)its  were  situated.  It  api)ears 
to  have  been  settled  in  favor  of  Mr.  Creel,  since  we  find  his 
name  on  the  books  and  records  of  the  firm  of  Bosworth,  Wells 
& Co.,  of  Marietta,  Ohio,  as  a seller  of  petroleum.  A trans- 
cript from  these  old  books  which  are  in  the  possession  of  Mr. 
Tasker  W,  Bosworth,  has  been  kindly  furnished  by  the  late 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


10 


]\rr.  F.  W.  IMiiisluiil  oT  jind  ;is  it  posscsst's  riiucli  liis- 

toric  iijt(‘ivst,  is  ^•iveii  herewith  as  roliows: 

Ti'a nsactions  in  J*cl rolcum  of  llosworlli,  Wells  it’  Co.,  Mariclld, 
Ohio,  icilk  Bash  rod  W.  Creel,  Hughes  River,  West  Va. 

SALES  OF  PETROLEUM. 

J.  Sclioonmacher,  Tittsbiirg,  Pa. 

October,  1848,  Seneca  oil $ 149.00 

H.  G.  Farrell  & Co.,  Peoria,  111. 

October,  1848,  Seneca  oil $ 89.95 

July,  1849,  Seneca  oil 108.00 

September,  1850,  Seneca  Oil 230.00 

December,  1855,  Seneca  Oil 1231.00 

Canby  & J-Iatcb,  Baltimore  Md. 

1851,  Seneca  Oil  78.05 

E.  II.  Stabler  & Co.,  Baltimore,  Aid. 

1851,  Seneca  Oil $ 161.00 

December,  1857,  Seneca  Oil 3080.13 

B.  A.  Fahnestock  & Co.,  Pittsbin-g',  Pa. 

Alay,  1849,  Seneca  Oil $ 120.00 

Philadel|)liia  Pa.,  sales. 

1851,  1).  Jayne  & Son 30.22 

Geo.  I).  Wetlierell 155.00 

J.  Gilbert  & (.N) 70.00 

Samuel  F.  Trolli  & Co 15.00 

E.  & C.  Varnell  & Co 25.00 

Eyiin,  Smith  & Co 107.30 

1800,  15-ench,  Ilichai’d  & ('o 1000. 00 

New  Yoi'k  Sales. 

1851,  llaviland,  Ilarral  & liisley $ 190.00 

Joseph  E.  Tri[)i)e 71.00 

M.  Ward  & Co 350.00 

1852,  Olcolt,  McKesson  & Robins 55.35 

A.  G.  Bragg  & Co 1804.00 

llaskill,  Alei-rick  & Bull 50.00 

1854,  McKesson  & Robins 394.00 

185(5,  Hall,  Dixon  & Co 731.00 


20 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 


Thomas  W.  Clark 357.00 

1857,  Scheiffelm  Bros.  & Co 130.00 

Barnes  & Park 82.65 

G.  W.  Westbrook 136.35 

Babcock  & Co 60.00 

St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Sales. 

April,  1852,  Charles,  Blow  & Co $ 306.80 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Sales. 

1853,  Burdsall  & Bros $1507.00 

Chicago  Sales. 

1855,  E.  M.  Wells $ 239.00 

1856,  E.  M.  Wells 132.00 


^‘The  purchases  from  Bushrod  W.  Creel  of  Hughes  River,  W.  Va., 
began  in  1847  and  continued  regularly  up  to  1860.  The  price  paid 
Creel  from  the  beginning  of  the  trade  up  to  1857,  was  33  cents  per 
gallon,  delivered  at  Marietta,  0.  From  1857  to  1860  he  was  paid 
40  cents  per  gallon. 

The  following  entries  taken  from  the  credit  side  of  the  account 
with  Mr.  Creel,  show  the  quantity  purchased  and  the  price  at  times 
named : ^ ’ 

January,  1855,  24  barrels,  at  33  cents  per  gallon. 

May,  1855,  9 barrels  at  33  cents  per  gallon. 

June,  1855,  29  barrels,  at  33  cents  per  gallon. 

July,  1855,  22  barrels,  at  33  cents  per  gallon.  < 

August,  1855,  32  barrels,  at  33  cents  per  gallon. 

' September,  1855,  27  barrels,  at  33  cents  per  gallon. 

[ October.  1855,  29  barrels,  at  33  cents  per  gallon.  | 

; November,  1857,  72  barrels,  at  40  cents  per  gallon.  ' 

December,  1857,  153  barrels  at  40  cents  per  gallon. 

There  were,  of  course,  petroleum  sales  from  the  Hughes 
river  region,  as  well  as  from  the  Great  Kanawha,  to  many 
other  parties,  but  the  transactions  with  Bosworth,  Wells  & 
Co.,  are  the  only  ones  yet  discovered,  of  which  a written  record 
has  been  preserved.  These  records  are  of  much  historic  inter- 
est, since  taken  in  connection  with  th«  petroleum  discoveries  in 
the  salt  borings  on  the  Great  Kanawha  as  early  as  1808,  as 
given  by  Dr.  Hale,  and  those  on  the  Muskingum,  described  by 
Dr.  Hildreth  in  1826,  they  show  conclusively  that  a large  (for 
the  time)  commercial  business  in  petroleum  was  already  in  ex- 
isteuce  in  Virginia  and  Ohio  both  from  drilled  wells  and  smd 


WEST  VIIKJINIA  GEOLOGlOAli  SURVEY 


21 


pits,  lonj?  before  Col.  Drake  had  completed  (28th  of  August, 
1859,)  near  Titusville,  Pa.,  the  first  well  bored  specially  for 
petroleum,  and  that,  therefore.  West  Virginia  should  at  least 
share  with  Pennsylvania  the  honor  and  credit  of  originating  the 
great  petroleum  industries,  and  especially  so  in  view  of  the 
fact  that  practically  all  well  boring  tools,  methods  of  casing, 
drilling  and  pumping  wells,  were  invented  by  citizens  of  what 
is  now  West  Virginia. 

Method  of  Pumping  Several  Wells  from  a Central  Power  Sta- 
tion, Invented  by  W.  C.  Stiles,  Jr.,  of  Volcano,  W.  Va. 

The  method  of  coupling  several  wells  together  and  pump- 
ing all  from  one  central  power  plant,  thus  enabling  the  pro- 
ducer to  operate  very  small  wells  at  a profit,  was  invented  by 
the  late  Mr.  W.  C.  Stiles,  Jr.,  of  Volcano,  Wood  county,  W.  Va., 
in  1874,  and  first  applied  in  the  Volcano  field,  where  as  many  as 
forty  wells  were  sucessfully  operated  by  one  engine  under  the 
superintendence  of  only  one  man.  Mr.  Stiles  got  the  idea  from 
seeing  power  transmitted  by  wire  cables  in  Philadelphia,  his 
former  home,  and  his  inventive  genius  successfully  applied  the 
same  principle  to  the  pumping  of  oil  wells. 

Drilling  Operations  of  the  Brothers  Rathhone,  at  Burning 
Springs,  on  the  Little  Kanawha. 

A small  stream  known  as  Burning  Springs  Run  enters 
the  right  bank  of  the  Little  Kanawha  river,  41  miles  above 
the  latter’s  mouth.  The  run  was  so  named  by  the  first  settlers 
from  the  fact  that  natural  gas  came  up  in  a sulphur  or  chaly- 
beate spring,  about  one-half  mile  up  the  stream  from  its  mouth, 
in  such  quantity  that  it  could  be  set  on  fire  over  a space  of 
several  feet  square.  There  were  two  of  these  springs,  one 
known  as  the  “Big”  spring,  and  the  other  as  the  “Little”  one. 
These  phenomena  early  attracted  the  attention  of  capitalists, 
and  in  1842  the  brothers  Rathbone  came  to  Parkersburg  from 
New  York,  and  soon  after  purchased  a tract  of  land  containing 
1,000  acres  covering  the  region  along  Burning  Springs  run^ 
apd  including  the  springs  themselves. 


22 


HISTOllIGAL  SKETCH 


Salt  was  tlieii  one  of  the  articles  of  commerce  which  on 
account  of  its  scarcity,  commanded  a high  i)rice,  and  there  was 
mncli  profit,  in  its  manufacture.  Because  natural  gas  springs 
(X'.curred  on  the  Great  Kanawha,  Muskingum  and  in  other 
localities  where  good  brines  had  been  found,  the  Rathbone 
brothers  concluded  it  would  be  possible  to  find  good  salt  produc- 
ing brines  on  their  1,000  acre  tract.  Hence  soon  after  the  pur- 
chase was  consummated,  arrangements  were  made  to  sink  a 
well  for  salt,  and  it  was  located  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Little 
Kanawha.,  100  yards  l)elow  the  mouth  of  Burning  Springs  run. 
At  a de])th  of  250  feet  so  much  oil  was  obtained  (from  the 
Cow  Run  or  Dunkai*d  Sand,)  that  further  attempts  to  find  salt 
water  were  abandoned,  and  since  the  '^gum”  or  conductor  was 
left  in  the  hole,  the  oil  would  rise  to  the  top  (as  the  hole  was 
full  of  water)  from  which  it  was  skimmed  and  sold.  This  old 
salt  well  was  the  first  in  the  State  to  be  pumped  for  oil  alone, 
since  soon  after  Col.  Drake  drilled  his  famous  well  near  Titus- 
ville, Pa.,  the  Rathbone  salt  well  was  leased  and  put  to  pump- 
ing. This  was  late  in  the  fall  of  1859,  and  it  produced  several 
barrels  daily. 


First  Well  Drilled  for  Oil  in  West  Virginia. 

The  first  well  within  the  the  boundaries  of  the  State,  drilled 
solely  for  })etroleum.  Avas  also  on  the  Rathbone  ti*act,  and  lo- 
cated on  Burning  Springs  run,  a shoj*t  distance  (one-fourth 
mile)  from  its  mouth.  The  well  was  drilled  by  the  Rathbones 
and  others  from  Parkersburg,  and  was  begun  late  in  the  year 
1859.  Since  the  well  was  drilled  with  a ‘‘s])ring  pole”  it  was 
not  completed  until  about  the  1st  of  May,  1860,  when  at  a depth 
of  303  feet  oil  wns  encountered  in  the  C(W  Run  or  Dunkard 
sand,  which  produced  at  the  rate  of  100  barrels  daily.  The 
Rathbone  tract  was  then  sold  to  the  Rafhbone  Oil  Co.  for  a 
large  sum,  and  the  second  well,  finislied  by  this  Company  late 
in  the  year  1860,  came  in  at  the  rate  of  40  or  50  barrels  per 
hour  at  a dei)th  of  onl,y  300  feet.  These  two  Avells  b]*ought  the 
West  Virginia  oil  territory  into  great  prominence,  and  the  de- 
velopments followed  so  rapidly  that  the  foianer  village  soon 
had  a population  of  several  thousand  people,  repeating  the  his- 


WEST  VTIKUNIA  GEOLO(iICAL  STTRVEY 


23 


tory  of  gold  minium'  (‘{iiiips,  ;ind  rich  Tniri(3ral  discoveries  in 
otlier  reg’ions. 

Destruction  of  the  Burning  Springs  Petroleum  Industry. 

At  the  height  of  this  development  in  1863,  Gen.  Jones  of 
tlie  Confederate  forces  appeared  n])on  the  scene,  with  his  com- 
mand of  3,000  cavalrymen,  and  setting  fire  to  the  oil  accnmn- 
lated  in  tanks,  ])arrels  and  boats,  destroyed  in  a day,  it  is  es- 
timated, not  less  than  300,000  barrels  of  oil,  and  effectually 
frightened  away  the  northern  capitalists  who  had  invested 
their  money  in  the  Burning  Springs  field.  The  burned  and 
abandoned  wells  became  ‘‘water-logged,”  and  the  region 
never  recovered  from  the  conflagration,  although  some  oil  is 
still  produced  there,  and  many  wells  have  been  drilled  within  the 
last  few  years. 


Life  of  an  Oil  Well. 

Two  or  three  of  the  Burning  Springs  wells  drilled  in  1861 
to  the  Dunkard  or  Cow  Enn  Sand  are  still  producing  from  one 
to  two  ))arrels  daily,  although  43  years  old,  and  they  never  were 
large,  thus  showing  that  we  do  not  yet  know  the  maximum  limit 
of  life  in  an  oil  Avell. 

Spread,  of  Drilling  Craze  Over  the  State,  and  Failure  of  the 
Efforts  to  Reach  the  Oil  Sands. 

Soon  after  the  Ihirning  Springs  oil  development  began, 
the  peti’oleiim  ci’aze  sp]‘(‘ad  all  over  the  State,  and  large  sums 
of  money  were  j)aid  by  eastern  capitalists  for  leases  on  tracts  of 
land  (‘V(m  far  nj)  in  the  mountain  regions.  Many  wells  wei*e 
dialled  in  several  counties,  or  at  least  attempts  were  made  to 
drill  them,  which  neai*ly  always  ended  by  getting  the  tools 
fast,  and  the  hole  plugged,  because  the  operators  had  not  yet 
learned  the  art  of  dealing  successfully  with  rocks  that  crumble, 
()!•  cave,  and  fall  into  the  hole  when  water  touches  them.  In  the 
region  of  Titusville,  Oil  City,  and  all  of  north-eastern  Pennsyl- 
vania the  rocks  (Sub-Carboniferous  and  Catskill)  to  be  drilled 
through,  are  all  hard  and  the  walls  of  the  wells  stand  firm 


24 


HISTOllICAL  SKETCH 


after  the  holes  are  bored,  even  though  drilled  “wet”  and  full 
of  water  from  top  to  bottom,  but  when  the  Pennsylvania  drill- 
ers came  down  into  West  Virginia  where  a much  higher  and 
softer  series  of  rocks  was  encountered  (Permian  and  Coal  Meas- 
ures,) and  attempted  to  use  the  Pennsylvania  methods,  the  re- 
sult in  most  cases  was  failure  to  sink  the  borings  to  any  of  the 
Venango  County  oil  producing  sands.  Thus  it  happened  that 
the  oil  development  of  West  Virginia  outside  of  the  Burning 
Springs  and  Volcano  “oil  break”  or  anticlinal,  was  delayed  for 
30  years  behind  her  sister  State  on  the  north,  for  except  along 
that  bold  arch  between  the  Little  Kanawha  and  Ohio  rivers 
there  was  no  oil  production  in  commercial  quantity  until  the 
year  1889.  The  region  along  the  “Burning  Springs — Eureka” 
anticlinal  was  practically  all  developed  during  the  ’60 ’s,  since 
here  the  soft  rocks  had  been  lifted  into  the  air  and  eroded, 
so  that  Pennsylvania  conditions  existed,  and  it  was  possible 
to  sink  wells  there  without  trouble  from  caving  walls,  hence 
the  Burning  Springs,  Volcano,  Vaucluse,  and  other  oil  pools 
along  this  anticlinal  had  been  developed,  and  practically  ex- 
hausted before  the  new  developments,  inaugurated  in  1889,  had 
begun. 


Recent  Petroleum  History  of  West  Virginia. 

The  modern  development  of  the  petroleum  interests  of 
West  Virginia,  date  from  1889.  The  old  development  which 
started  at  Burning  Springs  in  May,  1860,  had  practically  end- 
ed with  defining  the  producing  territory  along  the  Burning 
Springs  anticlinal,  since  although  many  “shows”  of  oil  had 
been  found  in  several  other  portions  of  the  State  during  the 
drilling  craze  of  the  ’60 ’s,  yet  for  the  reasons  already  given, 
none  of  these  attempts  had  reached  the  main  oil  producing  sands 
of  Pennsylvania,  although  it  has  since  been  proven  that  many 
of  these  early  shallow  borings,  which,  owing  to  the  condition 
of  the  well  drilliing  art  could  be  sunk  only  a few  hundred  feet, 
were  in  reality  located  over  rich  pools  of  petroleum  or  natural 
gas. 

Statistics  of  Oil  Production. 

The  statistics  of  Petroleum  production  in  West  Virginia 


WEST  VIKGINIA^GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


25 


are  not  perfect,  esi)ecia]ly  for  the  early  period  of  great  develop- 
ment at  Ihirning  Springs,  so  that  previous  to  187G  the  total  for 
the  State  is  merely  an  estimate.  Su])sequent  to  that  date,  the  rec- 
ord is  from  the  pipe  line  runs,  and  is  therefore  approximately  ac- 
curate. These  statistics  are  as  follows,  according  to  Oliphant 
in  his  Petroleum  Reports  for  the  U.  S.  Geological  Survey : 


1859  to  1876 
1876  

1877  

1878  

1879  

1880  

1881 

1882  

1883  

1884  

1885  

1886  

1887  

1888  

1889  

1890  

1891  

1892  

1893  

1894  

1895  

1896  

1897  

1898  

1899  

1900  

1901  

1902  

1903  


Barrels. 

. 3,000,000 
. 120,000 
. 172,000 

180,000 
. 180,000 
. 179,000 

. 151,000 

128,000 
. 126,000 

90.000 

91.000 
. 102,000 

145,000 
. 119,448 

. 544,113 

. 492,578 

, 2,406,218 
. 3,810,086 
. 8,445,412 
. 8,577,624 
. 8,120,125 
.10,019,770 
13,090,045 
.13,603,135 
.13,910,()30 
.16,195,675 
.14,177,126 
.13,513,345 
*12,900,000 


Total 144,601,296 

^Estimate  by  P.  H.  Oliphant. 

Great  Increase  in  West  Virginia  Petroleum  Output,  Dating 

from  1889. 

These  tables  exhibit  an  almost  steady  decline  from  1876 
until  the  close  of  1888,  but  here  the  tide  turns,  and  there  is 
a sudden  increase.  The  year  1889  marked  the  opening  of  the 


26 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 


Dolls  Run,  Eureka,  and  Mannm^ton  oil  pools,  and  from  that 
time  forward  the  growth  of  West  Virginia’s  oil  production  has 
been  uj)ward  with  such  marvelous  strides  that  toward  the  close 
of  the  year  1900,  it  finally  surpassed  that  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
the  pipe  line  rus  at  the  present  time  (May  1904,)  show  that 
her  production  equals  that  of  Pennsylvania  and  New  York, 
combined.  This  primacy  in  “white  sand”  oil  (the  purest  and 
])(‘st  petroleum  in  the  world,)  j)rocluction  will  also  very  probably 
continue  in  the  future,  since  West  Virginia,  occupying  as  she 
do('S  the  heart  or  central  portion  of  the  great  Appalachian  coni 
basin,  contains  a much  larger  area  of  white  sand  oil  territory 
than  her  sister  states  of  Pennsylvania,  Ohio  and  Kentucky. 

The  year  1891  marked  the  maximum  production  (e33,009,- 
236  barrels)  of  the  Pennsylvania  field,  32  years  after  the  in- 
dustry began,  with  the  completion  of  the  famous  Drake  well, 
and  from  that  time  (1892)  forward  the  decline  in  Pennsylvania 
oil  production  has  been  rapid  and  almost  continuous,  so  that 
in  1902,  the  pipe  line  runs  from  both  the  Pennsylvania  and 
New  York  fields  foot  up  only  13,183,610  barrels,  or  329,735 
barrels  less  than  the  West  Virginia  production,  (13,513,345,)  for 
that  year. 

The  Future  of  West  Virginians  Oil  Production. 

It  is  hardly  possible  that  West  Virginia’s  annual  pro- 
duction can  ever  exceed  that  of  1900,  (16,195,675  barrels,; 
and  the  probabilities  are  that  from  this  figure  the  gradual  de- 
cline of  the  last  3 years  will  continue,  since  it  is  abnost  cer- 
tain that  the  largest  and  richest  pools  of  oil  in  the  State  have 
])een  discovered.  There  is  some  compensation,  however,  con- 
n(‘cted  with  the  unpleasant  fact  of  waning  production,  and 
that  is,  the  pri(^e  of  petroleum  is  almost  certain  to  advance 
with  the  diniinisliitig  supply,  and  hence  it  is  i)Ossible  that  when 
the  (juaiitity  produced  has  decreased  to  only  one-fourth  of  what 
it  is  now,  the  price  received  then  may  be  equivalent  to  that  ob- 
tained now  for  the  greater  quantity. 

Statistics  of  Production  in  Pennsylvania. 

The  Statistics  of  Oil  Production  in  oui*  sisbu*  state  of 
Pennsylvania,  which  are  here  given,  constitute  the  strongest 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUREVY 


27 


evidence  of  tlie  limited  supply  of  petroleum,  and  are  of  them- 
S('lv(‘s  the  most  convinciin^  argument  that  the  stores  of  these 
])recious  hydro-carbons  cannot  last  indefinitely.  They  read  as 
follows  according'  to  Mr.  Oliphant  in  Mineral  Resources  for  the 
U.  S.  (leolo^ical  survey: 

Barrels* 

1859  2,000 

1860  500,000 

1861  2,113,609 

1862  3,056,690 

1863  2,611,309 

1864  2,116,109 

1865  2,497,700 

1866  3,597,700 

1867  3,347,300 

1868  3,646,117 

1869  4,215,000 

1870  ....^ 5,260,745 

1871  5,205,234 

1872  5,293,194 

1873  9,893,786 

1874  10,926,945 

1875  8,787,514 

1876  8,968,906 

1877  13,135,475 

1878  15,163,462 

1879  19,685,176 

1880  26,027,631 

1881  27,376,509 

1882  30,053,500 

1883  23,128,389 

1884  23,772,209 

1885  20,776,041 

1886  25,798,000 

1887  22,356,193 

1888  16,448,668 

1889  21,487,435 

1890  28,458,208 

1891  33,009,236 

1892  28,422,377 

1893  20,314,513 

1894  19,019,990 

1895  19,114,390 

1896  20,584,421 


* These  statistics  also  include  the  small  oil  production  from  the 
State  of  New  York. 


28 


HISTOKICAL  SKETCH 


Barrels. 

1897  19,262,060 

1898  15,232,702 

1899  14,374,512 

1900  14,559,127 

1901  13,831,996 

1902  13,183,610 

1903  n2,527,000 


Total 640,142,694 

■*FiRtimate  by  F.  H.  Oliphant. 

Meaning  of  Fluctuation  in  Production. 

The  fluctuations  shown  in  this  production  mark  the  rise 
and  decline  of  great  oil  pools,  like  Bradford,  Cherry  Grove, 
Washington  and  McDonald,  the  last  great  pools  discovered  in 
Pennsylvania,  which  carried  the  production  of  that  State  to 
its  maximum  in  1891,  from  which  it  has  steadily  declined,  and 
will  in  the  nature  of  things  continue  so  to  do,  with  temporary 
spurts  of  increase  from  the  discovery  of  new  producing  areas. 
The  drill  has  now  exploited  the  possible  oil  territory  of  Penn- 
sylvania so  thoroughly,  however,  that  it  is  hardly  probable  any 
large  areas  of  richly  productive  territory  yet  remain  to  be  dis- 
covered that  can  materially  increase,  or  even  stay  the  present 
declining  yield  of  petroleum  in  that  State. 

The  same  condition  of  affairs  which  these  statistics  reveal 
as  the  history  of  production  in  Pennsylvania,  is  now  occurring 
in  West  Virginia  and  it  is  quite  probable  that  the  constant  de- 
cline in  the  production  of  the  West  Virginia  and  Pennsylvania 
fields  shown  by  these  tables  will  continue  indefinitely,  unless 
indeed  there  may  exist  several  good  pools  of  oil  (like  that 
recently  discovered  near  Milton,  Cabell  county,)  southwest 
from  the  Little  Kanawha  river.  .Any  such  pools,  however, 
could  only  retard  the  decline  in  the  West  Virginia  fields,  and 
accentuate  their  yield  over  those  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


29 


^ ^ CHAPTER  IL 

NATURAL  GAS. 

Along  with  this  wonderful  recent  growth  of  the  petroleum 
industry  in  West  Virginia  there  has  been  a corresponding  in- 
crease in  the  production  of  natural  gas,  so  that  this  State  now 
stands  first  of  all  the  States  of  the  Union  in  the  production  of 
this  matchless  fuel,  and  with  proper  care  in  husbanding  this 
source  of  power  and  the  prevention  of  needless  waste  it  should 
last  for  another  generation  at  least. 

Nearly  all  the  principal  towns  of  the  State  west  of  the 
Alleghanies  are  now  supplied  with  this  fuel,  while  probably  200 
million  cubic  feet  daily  pass  out  of  the  State,  through  the  great 
16  and  20  inch  lines  of  the  Hope,  Philadelphia,  Carnegie,  Manu- 
facturers Light  and  Heat,  and  other  gas  companies,  to  the 
cities  of  Pittsburg,  Cleveland,  Toledo,  and  intermediate  points. 

The  hundreds  of  drilling  wells,  and  thousands  of  pump- 
ing oil  wells,  and  all  of  the  pump  stations  for  handling  the  oil 
produced,  together  with  the  water  supply,  and  everything  con- 
nected with  the  oil  and  gas  industry,  receive  practically  all  of 
their  power  from  the  consumption  of  natural  gas,  so  that  the 
([uantity  thus  burned  must  aggregate  many  millions  ( possibly 
150-200  millions)  of  cubic  feet  daily.  It  is  also  practically  the 
only  fuel  used  in  all  of  the  glass  factories  of  the  State  and  many 
of  the  brick  and  pottery  works,  as  well  as  electric  power  plants, 
city  water  works  supply,  etc. 

A very  wasteful  use  is  that  for  the  manufacture  of  carbon 
black  in  which  probably  25  to  30  million  cubic  feet  is  daily  con- 
sumed in  Calhoun,  Lewis,  Doddridge,  and  other  counties. 

The  entire  quantity  of  natural  gas  daily  used  (generally 
in  the  most  wasteful  manner  [)ossible)  within  the  State  for  every 
purpose  will  probably  approximate  400  to  500  million  cubic 
feet,  while  nearly  half  that  amount  is  transported  out  of  the 


30 


HISTOKICAL  SKETCH 


State,  and  probably  hs  much  more  (200-250  million  feet)  is 
daily  wasted  through  un[)lugged  wells,  leaking  joints,  and  from 
})r()ducing  oil  wells.  This  estimate  would  make  the  quantity 
of  jiatural  gas  daily  coming  to  the  surface  in  West  Virginia, 
about  one  billion  cubic  feet,  or  the  e(|uivalent  in  heating  power 
of  one  million  bushels  of  coal — (40,000  tons)  daily — 14,600,000 
tons  annually  or  more  than  half  of  the  State’s  annual  production 
of  coal. 

All  of  this  gas  that  is  piped  out  of  the  State  is  sold  at  a 
rate  of  not  less  than  25  cents  per  1,000  feet  for  domestic  pur- 
poses, and  10  cents  per  1,000  feet  for  manufacturing  uses,  while 
that  taken  to  distant  points,  like  Toledo,  Cleveland,  etc.,  is  sold 
at  40  to  50  cents  per  1,000  feet,  hence  if  we  value  the  gas  pro- 
duced in  the  State  at  only  10  cents  per  1,000  feet,  on  the  basis 
of  one  billion  feet  of  daily  production,  it  would  amount  to 
$100,000  per  day,  one-fourth  of  which  is  wasted  without  ac- 
complishing any  useful  purpose  whatever. 

Quite  recently  there  has  been  a general  awakening  to  the 
enormity  of  this  inexcusable  waste  of  the  best  fuel  in  the  world, 
and  hence  it  is  to  be  hoi)ed  that  the  State  Legislature  will,  at 
^its  next  session,  take  steps  to  prevent  the  same. 

Methods  of  T7'ansportation. 

As  is  well  known,  natural  gas  exists  in  porous  rocks  under 
a pressure,  ])r()portioned  to  the  depth  of  its  reservoir  below  the 
surface  of  the  valleys.  This  ratio  of  increase  in  pressure  with 
depth  is  in  about  the  same  proportion  as  the  weight  of  a col- 
umn of  water  would  increase  with  its  length,  so  that  at  depths 
of  2,000  feet,  600  to  900  pounds  of  j^ressure  to  the  square  inch 
is  developed  when  the  gas  in  a new  field  is  shut  in,  and  for 
depths  of  2,500  to  3,500  feet,  pressures  of  1,000  to  1,500  pounds 
are  developed  under  like  conditions. 

This  “rock  pressure”  as  it  is  termed  is  sufficient  of  itself 
to  transj)ort  the  gas  in  large  quantity  by  its  own  expansive 
energy  from  central  West  Virginia  (Lewis  county)  to  Toledo 
and  Cleveland,  distances  of  nearly  200  miles,  so  long  as  the 
“rock  pressure”  in  the  wells  does  not  decrease  below  500  to 
600  pounds  to  the  square  inch.  But  in  proportion  as  the  gas  is 
taken  from  any  district,  pool  or  field,  the  “rock  pressure”  in 


WEST  VIKGTNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


31 


that  parliicnihi !•  invis  will  j.o*a(lually  decline,  until  its  ef- 

fective ])!‘essui*e  to  (l(‘liver  i^as  at  the  end  of  a long  pipe  line 
would  be  lost  entirely.  To  meet  this  contingency,  the  Phila- 
delphia, Hope,  and  Carnegie  Cas  Cos.  are  installing  larger 
l)nniping  stathms  in  W(‘tzel  county,  when^  the  gas  Hows  from 
tire  wells  to  the  i)umi)s  under  a low  pressure,  and  is  then  com- 
pjvssed  by  unrnense  engines  to  about  600  pounds  to  the 
s(iuai‘e  inch  before  it  enters  the  mains  for  transportation  beyond 
tlie  Ixjundarics  of  the  State. 

The  (piantity  of  gas  which  any  pipe  line  will  transport, 
either  under  the  natural  pressure  of  the  gas,  or  the  artificial 
pressure  created  by  pumps,  depends  ui)oii  many  factors  the 
relations  of  which  have  been  investigated  and  skillfully  work- 
ed out  by  Prof.  S.  W.  Robinson,  of  the  Ohio  State  University, 
and  published  in  Vol.  VI,  of  the  Ohio  Geological  Survey.  The 
diameter  of  the  pipe,  the  length  of  the  line,  the  pressure  at 
the  intake  end,  all  enter  into  the  calculation,  while  the  number 
of  angles  or  abrupt  bends  in  the  line  all  of  which  produce  fric- 
tion and  retard  the  flow  of  gas  are  also  large  factors  in  the 
transpoi'tation  of  gas. 

Mr.  P.  II.  Oliphant  has  recently  treated  the  subject  of  gas 
well  measurenient,  and  gas  transportation  quite  thoroughly  as 
based  ujx)!!  Prof.  K()])inson’s  formulae,  and  the  following  state- 
ments are  ({noted  from  his  Report  to  the  U.  S.  Geological  Sur- 
vey on  the  i)roduction  of  natural  gas  for  1902,  pages  18-27 ; 

Natural  Oas  Measurement. 

“ Original fv  the  individual  gas  coiisiuner  was  cdiarged  aeeoi'diiig 
to  Hie  size  of  tlie  oriliee  used,  ilirougli  wliieli  at  a known  pressure, 
usually  J'roui  4 to  <8  oinu'es  to  the  square  inch,  a certain  ({uaiitity  of 
uatui-al  gas  would  jiass.  The  consumer  was  allowed  to  use,  il‘  he  so 
desired,  all  the  gas  that  would  {lass  through  this  orifice,  for  which  a 
fixed  jirice  was  ])aid.  There  was  no  inducemeiit  offered  by  the  nat- 
ural gas  couqiaiiy  to  have  the  consumer  use  it  iii  an  economical  man- 
ner. 

Suhsequeully  the  metei’  was  inti'oduced,  often  to  the  general  sat- 
isfaction of  bolh  of  the  jiarties  interested. 

A meter  is  a device  foi'  accurately  measuring  the  ({uautity  of  any 
gas  that  passes  through  it.  It  usually  consists  of  a series  of  dia- 
l)hragms  or  bellows,  oiieratiug  valves  automatically,  the  motive  {lower 
lieing  gas. 

When  the  ({uautity  of  gas  to  be  measured  is  large  and  delivered 


32 


HISTOKICAL  SKETCH 


under  great  pressure,  a meter  that  will  properly  record  the  amount 
is  weighty  and  expensive.  To  reduce  the  cost  the  proportional  meter 
is  in  many  instances  used,  in  which  a proportionately  small  amount 
is  diverted  to  a tally  meter  controlled  by  a valve  which  equalizes  the 
pressure.  This  tally  meter  is  generally  provided  with  a scale,  which 
records  the  gross  amount  passed. 

Natural  gas  is  usually  sold  to  the  consumer  by  the  cubic  foot  at 
a standard  pressure  of  4 ounces  to  the  square  inch,  or  36  pounds  to 
the  square  foot  at  a temperature  of  60  degrees  F.  In  many  instances 
it  is  convenient  to  dispose  of  the  gas  at  higher  pressures,  and  then 
it  is  necessary  to  construct  meters  of  proportional  strength.  The 
mean  pressure  of  the  atmosphere  for  the  elevation  at  which  most 
of  the  natural  gas  is  sold  is  assumed  to  be  14.4  pounds  to  the  square 
inch.  In  order  to  arrive  at  the  correct  number  of  feet  when  the  gas 
is  measured  at  a pressure  greater  than  fonr  ounces,  the  following  for- 
mula will  be  found  to  be  convenient.  Usually  no  correction  is  made 
for  change  in  temperature. 


Formula  for  Measuring  the  Quantity  of  Natural  Gas  When  Meas- 


ured Above  Normal  Pressure. 


Q=q 


P+h 

/1+.25 


In  which 


Q is  the  cubic  feet  required. 
q is  the  cubic  feet  shown  by  the  meter. 
p is  the  gauge  pressure  in  pounds. 
h is  the  atmospheric  pressure  of  14.4  pounds. 

0.35  is  4-ounce  pressure  reduced  to  pounds. 

By  substituting  the  known  values  in  the  above  it  becomes 


p-f-14.4 

14.65 


For  example:  Suppose  the  meter  or  ‘‘q”  reads  1,000  cubic  feet, 
and  the  pressure,  ‘‘p”  shows  32^/2  pounds  to  the  squaj-e  inch;  re- 
quired, to  find  the  quantity  of  gas,  then 

:l,000-?M±Hl^  3.2014X1,000  3,301.4 

14.65 

The  result  is  therefore  3,201.4  cubic  feet  at  the  standard  pres- 
sure of  4 ounces  to  the  square  inch.  If  the  gas  is  measured  at  atmos- 
pheric pressure,  then 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


MEASUREMENT  OF  NATURAL  GAS  FLOWING  IN  LARGE 
PIPE  LINES  AT  HIGH  PRESSURES. 

This  method  depends  upon  the  momentum  of  the  flowing::  ^>:as  in- 
side the  gas  main,  because  of  which  the  quantity  can  be  (piite  ac- 
curately determined  by  means  of  a device  knoAvq  as  tlie  l^itot  tube, 
which  consists  of  a sm.all  metal  tube  inserted  in  the  })ipe  line,  bent 
at  a right  angle  and  having  its  open  end  turned  in  the  direction  from 
which  the  gas  is  flowing.  This  tip  communicates  with  one  branch 
of  a glass  U-tube  partly  filled  with  some  lifjuid  (generally  water.) 
The  other  branch  of  the  U-tube  is  connected  to  another  opening  in 
the  pipe  line,  the  plane  of  wliich  is  at  right  angles  to  that  of  the 
opening  into  the  Pitot  tube  and  that  of  the  flowing  gas.  By  rhis 
means  the  l)ranch  connected  to  the  Pitot  tube  will  show  a higher 
])ressure  than  that  connected  to  the  pipe  line,  due  to  the  momentum 
of  the  gas  flowing  against  it.  This  difference  of  pressure  will  be 
shown  by  the  difference  in  level  of  the  liquid  in  the  U-tube.  Since 
this  force  is  due  to  the  velocity  and  density  resulting  in  momentum 
of  the  gas  ]iassing,  the  rate  of  flow  can  be  obtained  and,  by  frequent 
observations,  the  velocity  of  the  gas  in  a known  area  can  be  readily 
determined.  The  formula  of  the  Pitot  tube  as  ap])lied  to  gas  meas- 
urement has  been  very  carefully  determined  by  Prof.  S.  W.  Rob- 
inson, whose  report  is  published  in  the  Geological  Surve}’^  of  Ohio, 
volume  6,  pages  548-594. 

' The  final  formula  is 

1+  /t)> 

in  which 

Q=number  of  cubic  feet  of  gas  flowiug  in  pipe  line  per  hour. 
d~  diameter  of  pipe  line  in  inches, 
static  pressure  of  gas  in  pounds. 

— difference  in  level  of  water  in  U-tube,  measured  in  inches. 


The  formula  was  originally  computed  for  gas  flowing  through  the 
tube  at  a temperature  of  40”  U.,  but  the  temperature  has  been  re- 
duced to  a standard  temi)eraMn'e  of  50°  U.  \n  the  measurement  by  the 
formula  as  given  above.  It  is  for  gas  of  0.00  sp.  gr.  To  apply  to 
gas  of  any  other  gravity  multiply  the  result  by 


0.6 

gr.  gas* 


Another  method  more  generally  ai)plied  for  cora])uting  the  ap- 
])roximate  discharge  of  natural  gas  in  lines  of  varying  lengths, 
diameters,  arid  pressures  is  presented  in  the  following  formula: 


\ 


;>2) 


3 


34 


NATURAL  GAS 


By  considering  the  diameter  to  be  1 inch,  and  assigning  a new  value  for 


n'#  of 


for  diameters  greater  than  1 inch,  as  the  value  of  the  di- 


ameters increase  more  rapidly  than  Jd-'',  and  working  out  separate  values  for 
the  diameters  of  size’s  in  general  use,  which  are  designated  as  “a”,  the  form., 
ula  becomes 


Q=--42a 


/t 


(^=cubic  feet  per  hour. 

42=constaut. 

a^computed  value  in  separate  table  for  diameters, 
P— gauge  pressure-]- 15  pounds  at  intake  end  of  line. 


p— gauge  pressure-]- 15  pounds  at  discharge  end  of  line, 
/“length  of  line  in  miles. 


The  following,  the  equivalents  of  “a”  in  the  formula,  are  multi- 
pliers to  be  used  for  pipe  lines  larger  than  1 inch  in  diameter; 


^-inch  = .0317 
^-inch  .1810 
f-inch  = .5012 

1- inch  =1.0000 
l^-inch=2.9300 

2- inch  =5.9200 


2^-inch.  10.37 

3- inch  =16.50 

4- inGh  =34.10 

5- ihch  =60.00 
5|-inch=81.00 

6- inch’  =95.00 


8-inch=  198.0 
10-inch=  350.0 
12-inch=  556.0 
16-inch  : 1160.0 
18-inch  -1570.0 


For  pipes  greater  than  12  inches  in  diameter  the  measure  is 
taken  from  the  outside,  and  for  pipes  of  ordinary  thickness  the  cor- 
responding inside  diameters  and  multipliers  are  as  follows: 


Outside  diameter  of  15-inch  pipe  gives  If  f inches  inside  diameter = 863 

Outside  diameter  of  16-inch  pipe  gives  15,|  inches  inside  diameter -1025 

Outside  diameter  of  18-iuch  pipe  gives  17:^  inches  inside  diameter =1410 

Outside  diameter  of  20-inch  pipe  gives  19f  inches  inside  diameter “1860 

For  riveted  or  cast  pipe  with  inside  diamater  of — 

20  inches- =2055 

24  inches = 3285 

30  inches 5830 

36  inches =9330 


This  table  is  interesting,  as  it  shows  the  comparative  value  of 
different  sized  pipes.  One  8-incli  pipe  has  about  2.1  times  the 
capacity  of  a G-inch  pipe,  and  one  3G-inch  pipe  ecpials  4 1-2  pipes  of 
20-inch  diameter.  This  formula  applies  to  gas  having  a specific 
gravity  of  O.G.  To  apply  to  gas  of  any  othev  gravity  multiply  the  re- 
sult by  a factor  foimd  by  substituting  the  specific  gravity  of  the  gas 
measured  in  the  following  for'mnla:  • 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


0.0 


atmospheric  air  being  taken  at  unitrv. 

gas. 


For  example:  Suppose  the  pressure  at  the  intake  oi-  high  end 
of  a line  is  200  pounds,  gauge  pressure,  and  that  at  tlie  discharge 
end  is  20  pounds,  the  length  of  the  line  is  20  miles,  the  Sf)eciric 
gravity  is  0.6,  air  being  I,  and  the  diameter  of  the  T)ipes  8 indies. 
Then 


(200  X 15)2— (20  4- 15)2' 

20  “ x' 2250=4,7. 45  X 42=1993,  which  is  the  dis- 

charge pel’  hour  for  1-indi  }npe;  but  as  the  pipe  considered  is  8-inoh, 
the  multiplier  to  be  used  is  198;  hence  198X1993—394,614  are  the 
euliic  feet  discharged  per  • hour  under  the  above  conditions.  Sup- 
pose, however,  that  the  specific  gravity  of  the  gas  is  0.5,  then  by  the 
previous  formula  1.2  = 1.095,  and  1.095x394,614=432,102  per  hour,  or 

10,370,448  cubic  feet  in  24  hours. 

The  con-ection  for  temperalure  is  usually  neglected. 


COMPARATIVE  CAPACITY  CP  PIPES  OF  DIFFERENT  DIAM- 
ETERS CONVEYING  THE  SAME  QUANTITY  OF 
GAS  APPLIED  TO  LINES  IN  V/HICH 
i A NUMBER  OF  DIFFERENT 

! SIZES  ARE  USED.  . 

The  following  table  is  based  upon  ;’e  fact  that  the  length  of 
pipes  for  tlie  same  (piantity  of  gas  varie  us  the  5.0835  power  of  their 
diameters.  The  value  of  the  incieasing  oi-  decreasing  sizes  can 
readily  he  appreciated  by  an  inspection  of  the  table. 

It  is  jiartieularl}^  useful  in  securing  tbe  value  of  a series  of  dif- 
ferent sizes  of  ipipes  in  tbe  same  line  b}"  reducing  the  vali’.es  of  the 
sevei’al  sizes  to  some  one  of  the  sizes  in  use.  For  example,  on  the 
liorizontal  line  in  the  ta])le  a unit,  say  1 foot  or  1 mile  of  8-incii 
pipe  has  the  same  vahue  as  3,11  feet  or  miles  of  lO-inch,  7,80  feet  or 
miles  of  12-inch  and  105  feet  or  miles  of  20-inch. 

When  smallei-  sizes  are  used  1 foot  or  1 mile  ot  8-inch  pipe  is 
equivalent  to  0.2316  foot  or  mile  of  6-indi  pipe,  etc. 

lau’ger  diameters,  when  coinprr  d,  give  the  equivalent  in  an  in- 
cj’eased  leijjgtli  and  smaller  ^banieims  give  a less  length  wheu,  coai- 
paj’ed  with  a diauieter  assuiuqrl  X be  1. 


showing  the  commrative  value  of  different  sizes  of  pipe  compared  to  a unit  read  horizontally,  looking  above  fgr  the  size  of  the  pipe  requii  - 

ed]for  comparison. 


NATURA.L  GAS 


WEST  VIllGINlA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


37 


EXAMPLES  SHOWING  APPLICATION  OF  TABLE. 


Suppose  that  a line  is  composed  of  10-inch  and  16-inch  pipe, 
that  there  are  30  miles  of  the  former  and  20  miles  of  the  latter,  and 
that  the  pressure  is  200  pounds  at  the  end  of  the  10-inch  section, 
next  the  source!,  and  25  pounds  at  the  discharge  end  of  the  16-incli 
section.  After  adding’  15  pounds  to  each  of  the  pressures  to  obtain 
the  actual  pressure,  these  become  215  and  40  pounds,  respectively. 

for  1-inch  pipe,  as  pre- 


The  formula  is  Q 


= 42a  yj- 


viously  determined. 


V2152-402=n/44;625=211.3. 


For  a 10-inch  pipe  th®  multiplier  is  a =350,  as  given  in  a pre- 
vious table.  The  length  of  equivalent  10-inch  pipe  is  now  to 
be  determined,  so  that  it  can  be  substituted  in  the  for- 
mula. One  foot  or  1 mile  of  10-inch  pipe  compares  to  16-inch 
pipe  as  1 to  10.94,  and  as  there  are  20  miles  of  16-inch  to 
20.00 


be  considered, 


= 1.83  miles  of  16-inch  equal  20  miles 


10-inch,  30-1-1.83=31.83  miles  of  10-inch  line  is  equal  to  30 
miles,  of  10-inch  and  20  miles  of  16  inch  line.  This  equivalent 
length  remains  the  same  for  all  variation  of  pressure  at  the 
intake  and  the  outlet. 

By  substituting  the  determined  quantities,  the  equation 


becomes  Q 


= 42^' 


44625 


X350,  Q- 


42X211.3X350 


= 551,700 


cu- 


31.8  ’ 5.63 

bic  feet  per  hour. 

Suppose  the  pressure  be  increased  to  400  pounds  at  the 
intake  and  25  pounds  at  the  outlet;  then  v^415‘^— 40“= 
v/ 170,625  = 413.  As  compared  with  211.3  this  quantity  would 
be  1.95  times  211.3,  showing  the  increase  in  quantity  to  be 
almost  directly  as  the  pressure. 

The  proof  of  this  illustration  can  be  shown  by  substituting  the 
equivalent  distance  for  16-inch  pipe  and  the  multiplier  for  the  same 
instead  of  for  10-inch. 

By  referring  to  the  table  it  will  be  found  16-inch  comparee 
to  10-inch  as  1 to  .0915.  As  there  are  30  miles  of  lO-inch  lins 
to  be  converted  to  the  equivalent  of  16-inch,  it  becomes 
30 

= 328-1-20=348  miles  of  16-inch. 

.0915 

In  the  table  for  the  equivalent  of  multipliers  for  larger 
diameters  than  1 inch  opposite  16  we  find  1160;  then,  if  the 
pressures  remain  200  and  25  pounds,  respectively,  as  before. 


Q 


=42^ 


44625 

348 


X1160,  Q: 


42X211.3X1160. 

18.66 


551,690  cubic 


38 


NA'rTTRAL  GAS 


feet  per  hour,  which  is  almost  exactly  the  same  quantity  as 
obtained  above. 


Sui)pose,  for  example,  that  there  were  two  10-incli  lines  30  miles 
long  delivering  into  20  miles  of  16-ineh  line;  to  find  the  equivalent 
in  miles  of  l(i-inch  line  of  equal  capacity.  In  the  table  of  multipliers 
for  larger  diameters  than  1 inch,  opposite  16-inch,  11(j0  will  be  found, 
and  in  the  table  for  equivalent  lengths  on  the  16-inch  line,  hori- 
zontally under  10,  the  number  .0915  will  be  found,  but  as  there  are 
two  lO-inch  lines  considered,  .0915X2=.1830,  which  represents  their 
equivalent  compared  to  16-inch  pipe,  and  this  ‘ divided  into  30 
miles==164  miles-f-SO  miles=184  miles,  then 

Q=42  * X 1160.  Q=:l^Xy.^4^^=759,OOOcubic-feet 
\ 184  lo  5u4 

per  hour. 

The  formula  can  not  be  so  easily  applied  in  reducing  the  two 
10-inch  lines  to  the  value  of  the  16-inch  line,  because  it  is  necessary 
to  find  the  multiplier  for  the  equivalent  of  two  10-inch  lines,  which 
by  calculation  is  found  to  he  495.  By  examining  the  value  of  a 16- 
inch  line  on  the  10-inch  line  in  the  table,  it  ’will  be  observed  to  be 
10.94  for  1 mile  of  16-inch  line;  but  where  two  10-inch  lines  are 
considered,  then  10.94  divided  by  2=5.47  miles,  and  20  divided  by 
5.47=3.655-1-30  miles=33.655  miles  of  two  10-inch  lines;  then  Q= 


42 


I 446, 


44625  ..  42x211.3x495  ^7P-Q  i * r 4- 

X495,  Q=- ^=758,710  cubic  teet  per 

Uii)5  5.^9 

hour,  which  is  only  a few  feet  less  than  the  quantity  ascer- 
tained by  the  other  method. 


VOLUME  OE  OUTPUT  OF  GAS  WELLS  MEASURED. 


To  ascertain  the  volume  or  output  in  cubic  feet  per  hour  of  a 
gas  well  or  an  orifice,  it  is  necessary  to  apply  the  l^itot  tube  to 
ascertain  the  momentum.  This  is  found  by  holding  the  open  end  of 
a small  pipe  at  right  angles  to  the  how  just  below  the  end  of  the  pipe 
or  flush  with  it.  At  the  other  end  of  this  small  pipe  is  attached  a 
syphon  or  U-gauge,  in  which  water  or  mercury  is  used.  If  the  pres- 
sure is  over.  5 pounds  it  is  necessary  to  use  an  accurate  steam  gauge. 
The  pipe  connecting  the  tube  is  usuall}'  made  of  one-foui’th-inch  })ipe, 
with  an  elbow  and  a short  nipple  attached,  against  the  open  end  of 
which  the  gas  flows.  It  should  be  held  at  one-fourth  of  the  diameter 
from  the  outer  edge.  The  formula  fi'om  v.liich  the  following  tables 
were  worked  out  was  first  applied  to  flowing  gases  by  Prof.  S.  W. 
Robinson,  of  the  Ohio  State  University,  Columbus,  Ohio,  in  which 
the  specific  gravity  of  the  gas  is  taken  at  0.6. 

Ihe  number  of  cubic  feet  pei-  hour  that  will  pass  out  of  a cii'ciilar 
opening  1 inch  in  diameter,  at  pressures  measured  l)y  a column  of 
water  or  mercury  or  by  a spring  gauge,  is  given  in  the  following 
tables.  The  third  table  contains  multipliers  for  sizes  of  pipe  less 
and  greater  than  1 inch. 


WES^r  VllUilNTA  (lEOLOCnCAL  SURVEY 


39 


DiscJHtrgc  o/i/(is  of  0.6  aprcijic  (jravUn  from  our  inch,  opcnimj  correapomlimj  to  vniler  presHtire 

in  inchcii. 


Pressure 

ill 

inches. 

Cubic 
loot  per 
liour. 

f*ressuro 

in 

inclios. 

Cubic 
feet  per 
it  our. 

Pressure 

ill 

indies. 

Cubic 
feet  |)cr 
hour. 

1 

1 

i Pressure 
in 

inches. 

[ Cubic 
feet  per 
j hour. 

0.]() 

105 

0.90 

1,485 

3.50 

2,938 

10.00 

4,950 

.20 

711 

1.00 

1,555 

4.00 

3,130 

11.00 

5,215 

.W 

857 

1.25 

1,738 

4.50 

3,321 

13.00 

5,433 

.10 

980 

1.50 

1,915 

5.00 

3,500 

13.85 

5,800 

.50 

1,100 

1.75 

2,070 

0.00 

3,834 

1 20.77 

7,110 

.00 

1,213 

2.00 

3,214 

7.00 

4,140 

27.70 

8,200 

.70 

1,310 

2.50 

2,475 

8.00 

4,428 

.80 

1,401 

3.00 

3,712 

9.00 

4,094 

Discharge  of  gas  of  0.6  specific  gravity  fro7n  1-inch  ^opening  co^'responaing  to  pressure  of  mer- 
cury column  ana  of  gauge  pressure. 


Mer- 
cury j 
pres- 
s’re  in 
inches 

! 

Pounds 
gaug-e  1 
pres-  ! 

sure  per 

square 

inch. 

1 

Cubic 
feet  per i 
hour 

Mer- 
cury 
pres- 
sure in 
inches 

Pounds 
g-auge 
pres- 
sure per! 
square! 
inch. 

Cubic 
feet  per 
hour. 

Mer- 
cury 
pres- 
sure in 
inches 

Pounds 

gaug-e 

prt^ 

sucOj^ 

•nsr 

[ 

Cubic 
feet  per 
hour. 

0.10 

0.05 

1,835 

5.59 

2.75 

13.375 

14.00 

28,495 

.20 

.10 

2,590 

e’.io 

3.00 

14,175 

15.00 

29,295 

.30 

.15 

3,170 

' 6.61 

3.25 

14,755 

16.00 

30,045 

.40 

.20 

3,055  ! 

I 7.11 

3.50  1 

15,320 

17.00 

30,755 

.50  1 

.25 

4,095 

1 7.62 

3.75 

15,850 

18.00 

31,415 

.GO  ' 

.30 

4,490 

8.13 

4.00 

16,370 



20.00 

32,730 

.70 

i .35 

4,850 

8.64 

4.25  I 

1«,875 

22.00 

33,470 

.80 

.40 

5,180 

9.15 

4.50  1 

17,360 

25.00 

35,620 

.90 

j .45 

5,495 

9.65 

4.75 

17,045 

30.00 

37,945 

1.03 

1 .50 

5,790 

j 10.16 

5.00 

18,380 

35.00 

40,040 

1.52 

.75 

7,095 

12.20 

6.00 

19,885 

40.00 

41,945 

2.03 

1 .00 

! 8,195 



7.00 

21,555 

45.00 

43,605 

2.54 

1.35 

9,165 



8.00 

22,600 

50.00 

45,080 

3.05 

1.50 

10,030 



9.00 

23,735 

60.00 

47,380 

3.56 

1.75 

10,830 

! 10.00 

34,815 

- 

75.00 

50,975 

4.07 

2.00 

i 11,550 

' 11.00 

25,915 

90.00 

54,350 

4.57 

2.25 

i 12,375 

j 12.00 

26,775 

j 100.00 

55,705 

5.08 

2.50 

1 12,950 



!1 

13.00 

1 

27,695 

110.00 

57,055 

Multipliers  for  pipefjf  olh.er  diameters  than  llinch. 


Size  of 
opening, 
diame- 
ter in 
indies. 

Multi- 

plier. 

i 

Size  of 
opening-, 
diame- 
ter in 
inches. 

Multi- 

plier. 

Size  of 
opening- 
diame- 
ter in 
indies. 

Multi- 

plier. 

Size  of 
opening- 
(Uaiiie- 
ter  in 
inches. 

Multi- 

plier. 

Size  of 
oiiening- 
dia  me- 
ter in 
inches. 

Multi- 
plier. 1 

1 

A 

0.0038 

1 

1.00 

4 

16.00 

6 

36.00  [ 

8 

64,00 

s 

.0156 

I3 

2.25 

4.1 

18.00 

6i 

39.00 

68.00 

4 

.0625 

2 

4.00 

5 

25.00 

6t 

43.90 

9 

81.00 

2 

.2500 

6.35 

5A 

26.90 

7 

49.00 

10 

100.00 

1 

.5625 

3 

9.00 

51 

31.60 



62.50 

40 


NATURAL  GAS 


For  any  specific  gravity  other  than  0.0,  multiply  by 

IZZZ 

Xsp.  gr.  gaa 

For  tem]»eratiire  of  flowing'  gas  when  o])sevved  above  r)0°F.  de- 
duct 1 per  cent  for  each  5°,  and  add  a like  amount  for  temperatures 
less  than  60 °F. 

In  practice  these  corrections  are  usually  neglected  and  the  com- 
parison is  made  directly  from  the  reading  of  tlie  table. 

Tlie  best  natural-gas  well  is  that  one  which  at  the  highest  pres- 
sure will  discharge  the  greatest  quantity  of  gas.  This  can  be  tested 
by  closing  in  the  pressure  by  a gate  at  a length  of  half  a joint  or 
more  of  pipe  from  the  open  end.  A gauge  connected  by  a small  pipe 
back  t)f  the  gate  will  record  the  increased  pressure.  The  flow  can 
thus  be  measured  at  an  increasing  back  pressure  by  testing  the  open 
flow"  with  a Pitot  tube  as  the  presoure  inside  the  well  is  increased.  ^ ’ 

With  the  foregoing  tables  and  examples  as  guides,  it  is  an 
easy  pi*ol)lem  for  any  gas  company  to  know  the  quantity  of  gas 
their  lines  will  deliver,  since  their  length,  diameter,  pressures 
at  the  intake,  and  discharge  ends  of  the  pipe  lines,  can  be 
dii'ectly  measured,  and  the  proper  figures  substituted  in  the 
formulae  above  given. 

FUEL  SAVING  DEVICES. 

That  the  methods  commonly  in  use  in  West  Virginia  for 
utilizing  the  heat  locked  up  in  natural  gas,  are  crude  and  waste- 
ful in  th(‘  extreme,  goes  without  saying.  Very  little  attention 
has  been  given  either  to  the  form  of  the  burner,  or  to  the  neces- 
sity of  securing  the  proi)er  admixture  of  air  in  the  production 
of  either  heat  or  light. 

In  the  production  of  heat,  no  burner  should  he  used  that 
gives  forth  a briglit  tiame,  since  unless  the  flame  b('  blue,  it  is 
the  best  evidence  that  the  burner  is  not  supplying  air  in  quantity 
sufficient  for  complete  combustion,  and  hence  much  of  the  ef- 
fective heating  value  of  the  gas  is  being  wasted. 

The  burning  of  natural  gas  for  illumination  pur}a)ses,  in 
open  flambeaux  or  torches  is  such  a wasteful  method  that  some 
states,  like  Indiana,  long  ago  prohibited  this  waste  by  statute. 

Some  form  of  incandescent  burner,  as  the  Wellsbach,  or 
other  similar  device  of  refractory  mantle,  is  the  proper  method 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


41 


oi'  sociiriiij:;'  tlie  iiuixiuuiin  of  light  at  a minimum  cost,  or  with 
tlic  least  consumption  of  gas,  while  the  gas  engine  so  far  exceeds 
all  other  devices  foi*  (‘conomy  in  the  production  of  i)ower,  that 
it  looks  almost  like  inexcusable  extravagance  to  use  natural  gas 
for  power  through  the  production  of  steam. 

Mr.  F.  II.  Olij^hant  has  published  some  figures  on  the 
economical  use  of  natural  gas  for  both  power  and  light  in  his 
report  for  1902,  pages  17  and  18,  which  place  this  matter  in  a 
startling  light  as  follows: 

APPLICATION  AND  ECONOMY  OF  THE  NATURAL-GAS 

ENGINE. 

‘‘The  natiiral-gas  engine  has  been  extensively  introduced  throngh- 
ont  the  gas  belt.  Its  first  application  was  made  about  ten  years 
ago,  when  it  was  used  in  pumping  petroleum  wells.  Afterwards, 
ranging  from  5 to  500  horsepower,  it  was  extensively  introduced  into 
manufacturing  plants.  It  has  successfully  demonstrated  its  economy 
and  relial)ility. 

It  is  ]iarticu]arly  applicable  to  the  pumping  of  oil  wells  and  to 
driving  pipe-line  pumps,  owing  to  the  large  number  of  points  that 
are  often  widely  separated  and  are  difficult  to  supply  with  other  fuel. 
In  pumping  oil  wells  in  the  field  it  was  the  usual  practice  where  steam 
was  used  to  divide  the  wells  into  groups,  placing  a steam  boiler  as 
near  the  center  as  convenient  and  fi'om  it  carrying  steam  lines  to  the 
several  wells.  It  was  usual  to  cover  these  lines  with  wooden  boxes, 
but  with  the  best  appliances  the  condensation  in  these  long  lines  was 
gi'oat,  often  only  one  or  two  wells  could  he  pumped  at  one  time  and 
the  work  accomplished  at  the  wells  was  not  half  the  amount  furnished 
by  the  boiler.  Where  wells  were  i)umped  by  rod  connections  the  loss 
was  not  so  great.  The  gas  engine  has  in  very  many  instances  replaced 
the  steam  engine  and  boilei'.  tn  some  instances  this  has  been  done  by 
removing  the  steam  engine  entirely,  in  others  by  the  substitution  of  a 
gas  cylinder  for  a steam  cylindei’,  on  the  same  engine  bed.  The  dis- 
pensing with  the  troublesome  boiler  and  the  substitution  of  a much 
more  economical  engine  has  i)laced  in  the  hands  of  the  oil  operator  a 
much  clieai)er  source  of  power  not  subject  to  the  contingencies  of  the 
formei-  method,  with  a great  saving  of  labor  and  material,  and  also 
a gi’eat  saving  in  the  (|uantity  of  gas  consumed,  as  the  following  tnble 
fi'om  actual  tests,  will  indicate,  not  that  all  the  gas  engines  pumping 
wells  are  fully  as  economical  as  shown  in  the  following  table.  To 
offset  this,  however,  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  ordinary  oil 
pumj)ing  plant  is  a very  extravagant  combination  so  far  as  economy 
in  the  use  of  steam  in  concerned. 


42 


NATUliAL  GAS 


Comparison  of  fuel  per  indicated  horsepoioer  per  hour  for  different  types  of 

engines. 


Type  of  Engine. 

Equivalent  of 
Gas  and  Coal. 

Gas. 

Coal. 

Large  natural-gas  engine,  highest  type  

Cubic 

feet. 

9 

Pounds. 

0.9 

Ordinary  natural-gas  engine  

13 

1.3 

Triple  expansion  condensing  steam  engine 

16 

l.G 

Double  expansion  condensing  steam  engine  

20 

2.0 

Single  cylinder  and  cut-off  steam  engine 

40 

4.0 

Ordinary  high  pressure,  without  cut-off,  steam  engine. 

80 

8.0 

Ordinary  oil  well  pumping  steam  engine  

130 

13.0 

• Natural  gas  in  connection  with  a mantle  of  alkaline  earth  (thoria, 
etc.)  has  produced  the  cheapest  and  best  illuminant.  Where  natural 
gas  can  be  had  at  25  cents  per  1,000  cubic  feet  and  50-eandle  power 
can  be  obtained  from  the  consumption  of  21/2  cubic  feet  per  hour  with 
a mantle,  the  cost  per  candle  power  per  hour  is  hut  .00125  of  1 cent. 

In  an  ordinary  Argand  burner,  with  chimney,  it  will  give  about 
12-eandle  power  in  consuming  5 to  6 cubic  feet  per  hour.  If  con- 
sumed in  an  ordinary  tip,  7 to  8 cubic  feet  per  hour  will  yield  6-candle 
power.  All  natural  gas  has  not  the  same  illuminating  value.  In  some 
districts  it  carries  a small  percentage  of  the  heavier  hydrocarbons, 
which  add  much  to  its  illuminating  properties. 

The  calorific  value  of  natural  gas  is  high,  as  1,000  cubic  feet 
in  practice,  under  ordinary  economical  boilers,  tvill  evaporate  1,000 
pounds  of  water  from  and  at  212°F.  This  amount  multiplied  by  966, 
the  number  of  British  thermal  units  required  to  evaporate  1 povnd  of 
water,  equals  966,000  Britisli  thermal  units,  which  is  one-third  greater 
than  the  same  amount  of  manufactured  gas  and  double  the  value  of 
enriched  water  gas. 

One  thousand  cubic  feet  of  natural  gas  will  weigh  approx imately 
45  to  48  pounds  at  60°F.,  the  same  amount  of  di-y  air  being  76.5 
pounds  in  weight.  Its  composition  closely  approximates  marsh  gas, 
CII4,  with  from  2 to  15  per  cent,  of  nitrogen.  The  remaining  85  to 
98  per  cent,  is  almost  pure  marsh  gas,  viz.,  75  per  cent,  of  carbon  and 
25  per  cent,  of  hydrogen.  The  gas  in  Northwestern  Ohio  and  Indiana 
has  0.20  per  cent,  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  in  its  composition.- 
Slightly  less  than  11  cubic  feet  of  air  is  necessary  for  the  complete 
combustion  of  1 cubic  foot  of  ordinary  natui-al  gas. 

No  other  fuel,  natural  or  artificial,  has  tbe  value  and  con- 
venience of  natural  gas.  All  other  fuels  recqiire  a large  amount  of 
labor  to  fit  them  for  combustion,  and  most  of  them  must  be  con- 
verted into  gaseous  form  before  they  can  be  consumed.  Natural  gas, 
however,  has  reached  that  form,  and  is  in  condition  to  take  to  itself 


WF.ST  VTKGTNIA  GF.OLOGICAL  SUKEVY 


the  ailioiiiit  of  oxys’eii  noccssnry  for  coiTi})nstion.  The  "reat  natural 
rosorvoii's  ro((iiiro  only  to  be  piereed  by  tlio  drill,  when  the  gas 
may  be  bi-ought  to  the  surface,  where  it  is  at  oiiee  ready  to  be  used 
as  fuel  and  light  or  to  ])eeoTne  a direct  source  of  powei*  in  the  gas 
engine.  No  prei)aratiou  is  necessary  for  its  combustion  and  no  resi- 
due is  left. 

It  is  easily  distributed  in  jnpes  to  points  of  consumption  many 
miles  distant,  and  no  known  method  for  the  distribution  of  power 
equals  in  economy  that  of  the  transportation  of  a gaseous  fuel  in 
pipes.”  . 

The  above  tables  prepared  by  Mr.  Oliphant,  show  that  the 
ordinary  natural  gas  engine  consumes  only  13  feet  of  natural 
^gas  for  the  production  of  the  same  amount  of  power  as  130  feet, 
or  10  times  the  (luantity  when  burned  and  its  heat  utilized 
through  the  ordinary  steam  engine  in  vogue  for  drilling  and 
])umping  oil  wells,  as  also  for  the  general  production  of  steam 
power  with  gas.  This  use  of  ten  cubic  feet  of  gas  to  accomplish 
the  work  that  one  would  do  when  properly  burned  is 
not  (piite  so  wasteful  as  permitting  all  of  the  gas  to  escape  into 
the  air  fi’om  unplugged  wells,  but  it  constitutes  such  an  extrav- 
agant and  unnecessary  consumption  of  this  precious  fuel,  as  to 
be  almost  inexcusable  from  any  standpoint.  It  is  needless  to 
state  that  the  generfil  adoi)tion  of  the  latest  form  of  gas  en- 
gine for  power,  and  the  mantle  burner  for  light  in  West  Vir- 
ginia would  eventuate  in  saving  more  than  100,000,000  cubic 
feet  of  natural  gas  daily,  while  secuidng  even  better  results  iu 
th(^  way  of  powei-  and  light. 

The  most  wasteful  of  all  forms  of  pretended  utilization  of 
natural  gas  is  where  tlui  rock  jjressure  of  the  gas  is  used  instead 
of  steam  to  operate  a pumping  ])lant  for  water  with  which 
to  supply  drilling  oi'  i)um])ing  wells,  as  has  frequently  been 
done  in  tlui  immediate  I'Cgion  of  the  oil  and  gas  fields.  That 
this  and  all  other  methods  of  wasteful  use  should  be  prohibited 
by  statute  is  as  desirable  and  necessary  for  the  welfare  of  the 
State,  and  the  prolongation  of  the  life  of  our  rich  inheritance 
in  this  b(‘st  of  all  fuels,  as  that  wells  should  be  plugged  or 
shut  in  when  not  needed  for  the  production  of  heat  or  light. 

The  State  has  probably  lost  more  than  $150,000,000  worth 


44 


NATUKAL  GAS 


of  this  fuel  within  the  last  decade  alone  through  needless  es- 
cape into  the  air  without  any  pretense  of  utilization,  while 
probably  half  as  much  more  in  value  has  been  lost  by  the 
inexcusably  wasteful  methods  of  burning  the  gas  for  tlie  pro- 
duction of  light,  heat  and  power.  A priceless  heritage  has 
thus  been  ruthlessly  destroyed,  in  spite  of  all  the  warnings  that 
the  State  Geological  Survey  could  give  direct  to  the  Legisla- 
ture in  official  reports.  It  is  not  too  late  to  save  a remnant  of 
this  natural  wealth  for  future  use,  provided  the  Legislature 
will  act  promptly  at  its  next  opportunity.  The  present  delay 
has  been  inexcusable;  to  postpone  the  matter  longer  would  be 
nothing  short  of  criminal. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


45 


CHAPTER  HI. 


THE  GEOLOGY  OF  PETROLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS. 


’ ’ Method  of  Occurrence. 

Many  people  who  are  uninforined  on  the  subject,  imagine 
that  both  petroleum  and  natural  gas  occur  in  immense  caverns, 
or  hollow  spaces  within  the  earth’s  crust.  Hence  when  one 
speaks  of  a ‘‘pool”  of  oil  or  gas  the  image  of  an  under- 
ground lake  or  great  cavity  filled  with  nothing  but  liquid  oil, 
or  highly  compressed  gas,  is  called  up  to  the  minds  of  such 
persons  as  are  unfamiliar  with  the  oil  industry.  This  is  a 
great  mistake,  for  with  the  exception  of  narrow  fissures  and 
joints  which  traverse  all  rocks,  there  are  no  large  cavities  or 
open  spaces  in  any  of  the  West  Virginia  oil  producing  strata. 
But  all  rocks  are  porous,  even  slate  of  the  closest  grain  will  hold 
some  liquid  in  the  minute  and  microscopic  cavities  whioh  it, 
hi  common  with  all  rocks,  contains.  Now  the  oil  and  gas  sands 
are  simply  very  porous  rocks  which  contain  not  one  great  cav- 
ity, but  millions  upon  millions  of  small  or  microscopic  cavities, 
so  that  oil,  gas,  water,  or  all  three  together,  it  may  be,  (as  at 
Sistersville,)  occupy  these  numerous  little  spaces,  and  thus 
saturate  the  rock  just  as  water  does  a piece  of  cloth  or  a sponge 
when  dipped  into  the  same.  The  larger  these  pores  are,  and  the 
greater  the  volume  they  occupy  in  proportion  to  the  volume  of 
the  rock  mass,  the  greater  will  be  the  contained  oil  or  gas  sup- 
ply, and  this  proportion  in  fairly  good  producing  sands,  usu- 
ally varies  between  one-fifth  and  one-tenth,  that  is,  a cubic  foot 
of  rock  would  hold,  say,  6 to  12  pints  of  oil,  and  of  coursie  would 
contain  an  equal  volume  of  cavities  for  water  or  gas  should 
either  of  these  substances  be  present,  instead  of  oil. 


46 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETKOLEM  AND  NATUllAL  GAS 


Quantity  of  Petroleum  to  the  Acre. 

It  is  ({uite  probable  that  the  amount  of  oil  obtainable  from 
good  j)roducing  saud  in  West  Virginia  will  not  average  more 
than  a gallon  to  the  cubic  foot,  and  also  that  the  depth  or  thick- 
ness of  ‘^pay  streaks”  (porous  sand  saturated  with  oil)  will  not 
average  more  than  five  feet,  and  taking  these  factors  as  a basis, 
(there  being  43,560  square  feet  in  one  acre,)  we  would  get  about 
5,000  barrels  of  42  gallons  each  as  the  total  production  of  fairly 
good  oil  territory.  Of  course,  if  the  sand  reservoir  should  be 
exceptionally  thick  and  of  very  great  porosity,  like  a mere  bed 
of  loose  gravel,  this  estimate  may  be  much  exceeded  over  lim- 
ited areas,  as  it  has  been  in  Texas,  where  at  Spindle  Top,  for 
instance,  an  area  of  less  than  200  acres  has  already  produced 
15  to  20  million  barrels  of  low  grade  oil.  This  prolific  char- 
acter of  the  reservoirs  holding  oil  with  an  asphalt  base  instead 
of  paraffine  appears  to  be  universal,  since  the  same  features 
characterize  the  oil  deposits  of  Russia  at  Baku,  Grozny,  and 
elsewhere,  and  it  appears  to  be  due  to  a great  thickness  of 
producing  sand,  as  well  as  to  structural  features  which  favor 
the  accumidation  of  these  very  rich  pools. 

The  amount  named  is  a fair  average,  however,  for  what 
would  be  considered  good  producing  territory  in  the  white  sand 
area  of  West  Virginia,  and  may  be  regarded  as  approximately 
correct  in  figuring  roughly  the  prospective  values  of  developed 
properties.  True,  the  conservative  operator  will  always  leave 
a safe  margin  on  the  right  side  of  his  valuation,  in  a business 
where  there  are  so  many  contingencies,  not  only  in  varying 
thickness  and  porosity  of  the  sand,  but  also  in  the  price  of  his 
product  which  fluctuates  within  wide  limits,  and  often  within 
very  short  periods,  but  with  the  acreage  estimate  of  production 
as  a guide,  investments  may  be  made  in  developed  oil  prop- 
erties quite  as  safely  as  in  most  other  forms  of  property,  and 
generally  with  a much  greater  margin  of  profit. 

Not  Possible  to  Obtain  all  the  Oil  Present. 

It  is  impossible  that  all  of  the  oil  in  any  sand  can  be  got- 
ten out  by  the  ordinary  process  of  drilling  wells  into  the  same, 
and  })robably  one-fourth  of  the  actual  amount  present  will  re- 
main in  the  rock,  held  there  by  capillary  attraction,  which 


WEST  VIKGTNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


4T 

neithci*  the  fieeoinpajiyin^  ^as,  nor  the  attraction  of  gravity  can 
ovei-eomo.  The  only  manner  in  which  this  oil  could  be  ob- 
tained would  be  to  mine,  crush  and  boil  the  sand,  as  was  for- 
jnei’ly  done  at  Pechelbronn,  Germany,  from  1742  until  1880, 
where  4 to  5 per  cent,  of  peti'oleum  was  produced  from  rock 
b}^  such  treatment. 

The  Presence  of  Salt  Water  Increases  Proportion  Obtained. 

When  salt  water  is  found  in  connection  with  the  oi^  as  in 
the  “Hundred  Foot”  district  of  Butler  county,  Penna.,  or  the 
Sistersville  field  in  West  AHrginia  and  Ohio,  most  operators  con- 
sider that  a much  greater  proportion  of  the  oil  can  be  secured 
than  where  the  salt  water  is  absent,  since  the  water  acts  as 
a rinsing  fluid  to  fiusli  the  petroleum  out  of  the  sand  and  bring 
it  freely  into  the  well.  It  is  also  claimed  by  the  practical  oil  pro- 
ducers that  the  tendency  of  the  rock  to  become  clogged  up 
with  paraffine  is  much  less  when  the  petroleum  is  accompanied 
with  salt  water  than  when  it  is  absent,  so  that  for  both  of  these 
reasons  it  is  most  probably  true  that  the  sand  will  yield  up  a 
greater  proportion  of  its  oil,  wlien  the  latter  is  accompanied  by 
salt  water.  Whether  or  not  the  increased  yield  will  equal  the 
increased  cost  of  pumping  the  additional  fluid  (salt  water) 
to  the  surface,  is  a question  upon  which  we  have  as  yet  mo 
reliable  statistics. 

■Aids  in  Locating  Oil  and  Gas  Pools. 

These  (piestions  have  been  very  frequently  asked  by  the 
petroleum  seekers,  “Can  anything  be  done  to  limit  the  number 
of  failures  in  the  search  for  oil  and  gas?”  “Are  there  any  sur- 
face indications  which  can  l)e  relied  upon  to  indicate  the  pres- 
ciice  or  absence  of  oil  and  gas  in  paying  quantity  at  a depth 
of  several  hundred,  or  perhaps  r,everal  thousand  feet  under 
ground?”  “Cannot  science  with  all  her  resources  discover 
some  means  of  saving  a large  portion  of  the  hundreds  of  thous- 
ands of  dollars  that  are  annually  lost  in  drilling  unproduc- 
tive wells?” 

What  answei-  does  geology  give  to  these  questions  which 
have  been  asked  every  day  since  Col.  Drake  drilled  the  first 
well  for  oil  in  1859? 


48 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETROLRM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


Geology  answers  that  by  careful  attention  to  her  precepts, 
much  of  the  waste  that  characterized  the  first  three  decades 
of  the  search  for  petroleum  can  be  avoided,  but  that  it  is  be- 
yond her  powers  to  foretell  absolutely  as  to  whether  any  par- 
ticular borinr;  will  yield  either  oil  or  gas  in  commercial  quan- 
tity. The  cfc.reful  geologist  can  eliminate  many  of  the  factors 
of  uncertairdy,  and  thus  limit  the  search  to  regions  having  a 
peculiar  geological  structure  where  experience  has  shown  that 
the  occurreince  of  oil  and  gas  is  most  probable,  but  further  than 
th^'^,- geology  cannot  go,  and  no  skillful  geologist  has  ever  claim- 
.J  otherwise. 

The  history  of  opinion  upon  this  subject  is  of  especial 
interest  to  the  citizens  of  a State  like  West  Virginia  within 
whose  boundaries  so  many  millions  of  dollars  have  already  been 
expended  in  the  search  for  oil  and  gas,  and  where  so  many 
millions  will  be  expended  in  the  near  future. 

We  may  dismiss  the  attempts  to  locate  oil  and  gas  pools 
with  the  ‘‘divining  rod,”  “magnetic  devices,”  “spirit  media,” 
etc.,  all  of  which  have  found  credulous  victims  in  the  past,  but 
very  few  in  recent  years,  with  only  this  passing  notice  of  their 
existence,  and  come  down  to  the  decade  beginning  with  1880 
This  decade  will  ever  be  memorable  in  the  history  of  the  Ap- 
palachian region,  a,s  marking  the  modern  i*ise  and  culmination 
of  natural  gas  production  for  use  in  the  great  manufacturing 
concerns  of  the  Pittsburg  region. 


History  of  the  Structural  or  Anticlinal  Theory. 

When  the  importance  of  natural  gas  to  industrial  affairs 
had  been  fully  recognized,  and  the  producers  of  oil  had  begun 
to  turn  their  attention  to  the  search  for  the  new  fuel,  it  was  to 
be  expected  that  some  attention  would  be  given  to  the  study  of 
its  occurrence. 

The  first  oil  producer  to  undertake  this  study  in  a syste- 
matic way,  was  the  late  Mr.  J.  J.  Vandei-grift,  of  Pittsburg,  Jhi., 
then  President  of  the  Forest  Oil  Co.,  and  the  United  Pipe  Lines, 

In  the  spring  of  1883,  Mr.  Wm.  A.  Earseman,  a veteran 
oil  oi)erator,  who  was  then  in  the  employ  of  the  Anchor  Oil  Co., 
and  who  had  noted  the  fact  that  many  of  the  great  gas  wells  of 
Pennsylvania  were  located  along  the  lines  where  anticlinal  axes 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


49 


had  been  draAvn  on  the  maps  of  the  State  Oeoloj^ical  Survey  of 
Penns.ylvania,  secured  Mr.  Vandergrift’s  assent  and  financial 
support  to  undertake  a,  geological  investigation  of  the  occur- 
rence of  natural  gas.  Mr.  Earseman  then  began  a correspond- 
ence with  myself  u]K'>n  the  subject,  the  result  of  which  was  an 
engagement  in  which  the  writer  agreed  to  devote  the  month  of 
June,  1883,  to  an  investigation  of  the  subject  for  Mr.  Vander- 
grift.  In  this  work  I was  often  accompanied  by  Mr.  Earseman, 
who  communicated  freely  to  me  his  ideas  on  the  subject  of  an- 
ticlinal s,  though  he  did  not  then  possess  the  necessary  geologic- 
al attainments  to  enable  him  to  verify  or  disprove  his  suspic- 
ions. After  visiting  and  studying  the  geological  surroundings 
of  all  the  great  wells  that  had  been  struck  in  the  Appalachian 
district,  the  conclusion  was  reached  that  the  rock  disturbance 
caused  by  anticlinal  waves  was  the  main  and  important  factor 
in  the  occurrence  of  both  petroleum  and  natural  gas,  and  this 
announcement  was  made  to  Mr.  Vandergrift  in  a written  report 
at  the  close  of  June,  1883.  During  the  next  two  years  the 
theory  was  submitted  to  several  practical  tests  in  the  success- 
ful location  of  the  Grapeville,  AVashington,  and  other  great  gas 
pools.  Having  thus  verified  the  liypolliesis,  it  was  duly  formu- 
lated, and  given  to  the  public  through  the  columns  of  “Science^’ 
in  an  ai-ticle  entitled  ‘‘The  Geology  of  Natural  Gas,”  in  the  is- 
sue of  that  journal  dated  June  26th,  1885. 

Since  there  have  been  inany  impiiries  for  this  paper  from 
those  interested  in  petroleum,  which  it  has  been  imposible  to 
supply,  the  ai-ticle  in  question  is  republished  here.  The  statement 
in  “Science”  of  June  26t}i,  1885,  r(‘ads  as  follows: 

The  Geology  of  Natural  Gas,  hy  /.  C.  White. 

“The  iTcoiit  inirodiietion  of  antiiral  gas  iiilo  gciiei’al  use  as  a 
source  of  heat  for  industi’ial  and  domestic  purposes  has  raised  it 
from  the  rank  of  a mei’o  curiosity  to  one  of  the  eartIGs  most  valuable 
treasures. 

“To  the  reader  unacquainted  with  the  change  natural  gas  has 
effected  in  all  industries  wliere  it  can  he  obtained,  the  following  quo- 
tation from  an  article  in  MacMillan’s  Magazine  for  January,  written 
by  Mr.  Andrew  Carnegie,  the  chief  iron  master  of  Pittsburg,  will  be  a 
revelation:  ‘In  the  manufacture  of  glass,  of  which  there  is  an  im- 
4 


50 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETKOLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


meiise  quantity  made  in  Pittsburg’,  I am  informed  that  gas  is  worth 
more  than  the  cost  of  coal  and  its  handling,  because  it  improves  the 
quality  of  the  product.  One  firm  in  Pittsburg  is  already  making 
plate  glass  of  the  largest  size,  equal  to  the  best  imported  French 
glass,  and  is  enabled  to  do  so  by  this  fuel.  In  the  manufacture  of 
iron,  and  especially  in  that  of  steel,  the  quality  is  also  improved  by 
the  pure  new  fuel.  In  our  steel  rail  mills  we  have  not  used  a pound 
of  coal,  nor  in  our  iron  mills  for  nearly  the  same  period.  The  change 
is  a startling  one.  Where  we  formerly  had  90  firemen  at  work  in 
one  boiler  house,  and  were  using  400  tons  of  coal  per  day,  a visitor 
now  walks  along  the  long  row  of  boilers  and  sees  but  one  man  in  at- 
tendance. The  house  being  whitewashed,  not  a sign  of  the  dirty 
fuel,  of  former  days  is  to  be  seen ; nor  do  the  stacks  emit  smoke.  In 
the  Union  iron  mills  our  puddlers  have  whitewashed  the  coal  bunkers 
belonging  to  their  furnaces.  Most  of  the  principal  iron  and  glass 
establishments  in  the  city  are  today  either  using  this  gas  as  fuel  or 
making  preparations  to  do  so.  The  cost  of  coal  is  not  only  saved, 
but  the  great  cost  of  firing  and  handling  it;  while  the  repairs  to 
boilers  and  grate-bars  are  much  less.’ 

‘^This  new  fuel,  which  bids  fair  to  replace  coal  almost  entirely 
in  many  of  our  chief  industrial  centers,  has  not  received  that  at- 
tention from  the  geologist  which  its  importance  demands.  So  far  as 
the  writer  is  aware,  nothing  has  been  published  on  the  subject  which 
would  prove  of  any  value  to  those  engaged  in  prospecting  for  natural 
gas,  and  it  is  the  existence  of  this  blank  in  geological  literature  that 
has  suggested  the  present  article. 

‘‘Practically  all  of  the  large  gas  wells  struck  before  1882  Avere 
accidentally  discovered  in  boring  for  oil;  but  when  the  great  value 
of  natural  gas  as  fuel  became  generally  recognized,  an  eager  search 
began  for  it  at  Pittsburg,  Wheeling,  and  many  other  manufacturing 
centers. 

“The  first  explorers  assumed  that  gas  could  be  obtained  at  one 
point  as  well  as  at  another,  provided  the  earth  be  penetrated  to  a 
depth  sufficiently  great ; and  it  has  required  the  expenditure  of  several 
hundred  thousand  dollars  in  useless  drilling  to  convince  capitalists  of 
this  fallacy,  which  even  yet  obtains  general  credence  among  those  not 
interested  in  successful  gas  companies. 

“The  writer’s  study  of  this  subject  began  in  June,  1883,  when 
he  was  employed  by  Pittsburg  parties  to  make  a general  investigation 
of  the  natural  gas  question  with  the  special  object  of  determining 
whether  or  not  it  was  possible  to  predict  the  presence  or  absence  of 
gas  from  geological  structure.  In  the  prosecution  of  this  work  I was 
aided  by  a sugestion  from  Mr.  William  A.  Earseman,  of  Allegheny, 
Pennsylvania,  an  oil  operator  of  many  years’  experience,  who  had 
noticed  that  the  principal  gas  wells  then  known  in  western  Pennsyl- 
\ ania  were  situated  close  to  where  anticlinal  axes  were  drawn  on. 
the  geological  mai)s.  From  this  he  inferred  there  must  be  some 
connection  between  the  gas  wells  and  the  anticlines.  After  visiting 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


51 


all  the  great  gas  wells  that  had  been  struck  in  Western  Pennsylvania 
and  West  Virginia,  and  carefully  examining  the  geological  suiround- 
ings  of  each,  1 found  that  every  one  of  tlum  was  situated  either 
directly  on  or  near  the  crown  of  an  anticlinal  axis,  while  wells  that  had 
been  bored  in  the  synclines  on  either  side  furnished  little  or  no  gas, 
but  in  many  cases  large  quantities  of  salt  water.  Further  obser- 
vation showed  that  the  gas  wells  were  confined  to  a narrow  belt,  only 
one-fourth  to  one  mile  wide,  along  the  crests  of  the  anticlinal  folds. 
These  facts  seemed  to  connect  gas  territory  unmistakably  with  the 
disturbance  in  the  rocks  caused  by  their  u[)heaval  into  arches,  but  tiie 
crucial  test  was  yet  to  be  made  in  the  actual  location  of  good  gas 
territory  on  this  theory.  During  the  last  two  years  I have  submitted 
it  to  all  manner  of  tests,  both  in  locating  and  condemning  gas  terri- 
tory, and  the  general  residt  has  been  to  confirm  the  anticlinal  theory 
beyond  a reasonable  doubt. 

‘^But  while  we  can  state  with  confidence  that  all  great  gas  wells 
are  found  on  the  anticlinal  axes,  the  converse  of  this  is  not  true,  vis. : 
that  great  gas  wells  may  l)e  found  on  all  anticlinals.  In  a theory  of 
this  kind,  the  limitations  become  (giite  as  im])ortant  as,  or  even  more 
so  than  the  theory  itself;  and  hence  I.  have  given  considerable  thought 
to  this  side  of  the  (juestion,  having  formulated  them  into  three  or 
four  general  rules  (which  include  ])ractically  all  the  limitations  known 
to  me,  up  to  the  present  time,  that  should  be  placed  on  the  state- 
ment thqt  large  gas  wells  may  be  obtained  on  anticlinal  folds,)  viz: 

(a)  ‘‘The  arch  in  the  rocks  must  be  one  of  considerable  magni- 
tude. 

(b)  “A  coarse  oi-  porous  sandstone  of  considerable  tliickness 
or,  if  a fine  grained  i-ock,  one  that  would  have  extensive  fissures,  and 
thus  in  eithc]’  case  rendered  ca[)able  of  acting  as  a leservoii’  for 
the  gas,  must  underlie  tlie  surface  at  a depth  of  several  hundred  feet 
(500  to  2,500.) 

(c)  “Probably  very  few  oi-  none  of  the  grand  arches  along  the 
mountain  ranges  will  be  found  holding  gas  in  large  (juantity,  since 
in  such  cases  the  distui-bance  ol‘  the  stratification  has  been  so  ])ro- 
found  that  all  the  natuial  gas  genei-ated  in  the  j)ast  would  long  ago 
have  escaped  into  the  air  tln-ougli  fissures  that  traverse  all  the  beds. 

(d)  “Another  limitation  might  p(  ssilily  be  added,  which  would 
confine  the  ai-eas  where  great  gas  flows  may  be  ol)tained  to  those  un- 
derlain by  a considerable  tlii(d\n(^ss  of  bituminous  shale. 

(e)  “Very  fair  gas  wells  may  also  be  obtained  for  a consider- 
able distance  down  the  slopes  fi’om  the  crests  of  the  anticlinals,  pro- 
vided the  dip  be  sulliciently  ra])id,  and  especially  if  it  be  irregular  or 
interru])ted  with  slight  crum})les.  And  even  in  regions  wliere  there 
are  no  well  mai'ked  anticlinals  if  the  dip  be  somewhat  I’apid  and  ir- 
regular, i-afher  large  gas  wells  may  occasionally  be  found,  if  all 
other  conditions  are  favorable. 

“The  reason  why  natural  gas  should  collect  under  the  arches  of 
the  rocks  is  sufficiently  plain,  from  a cohsideration  of  its  volatile 


62 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETltOLEUM  AND  NATUKAL  GAS 


nature.  Then,  too,  the  extensive  fissuring:  of  the  rock,  which  appears 
necessary  to  foim  a capacious  reservoir  for  a large  gas  well,  would 
take  place  most  readily  along  the  anticlinals  where  the  tension  in 
bending  would  be  greatest. 

^^The  geological  horizon  that  furnishes  the  best  gas  reservoir 
in  western  Pennsylvania  seems  to  be  identical  with  the  first  Venango 
oil  sand,  and  hense  is  one  of  the  Catskill  conglomerates.  This  is  the 
gkas  rock  at  Murrysville,  Tarentum,  Washington,  Wellsburg,  and 
many  other  points.  Some  large  gas  wells  have  been  obtained  in  the 
SulS-carboniferous  sandstone  (Pocono,)  however,  and  others  down  in 
the  third  Venango  oil  sand.  (Chemung.) 

‘^In  Ohio,  gas  flows  of  considerable  size  have  been  obtained  deep 
dq^n  in  the  Cincinnati  limestone,  while  in  West  Virginia  they  have 
been  found  in  the  Po'ttsville  conglomerate;  hence  natural  gas,  like 
oil,  has  a wide  range  through  the  geological  column,  though  it  is  a 
significant  fact  that  it  is  most  abundant  above  the  black  slates  of 
the  Devonian.’^ 

The  views  expressed  in  this  paper  were  criticized  by  sev- 
eral geologists,  but  they  were  as  warmly  espoused  and  cham- 
pioned by  others,  so  that  the  battle  for  the  essential  truth  of  the 
anti-clinal,  or  structural  theory  of  the  occurrence  of  oil  and  gas 
in  commercial  quantities,  was  soon  won. 

The  Anticlinal  or  Structural  Theory  Not  New. 

This  structural  theory  for  the  occurrence  of  petroleum  and 
natural  gas,  arrived  at  independently  by  myself  on  the  sug- 
gestion of  Mr.  Earsernan,  proved  to  be  not  new,  but  had  long 
belbre  been  proposed  by  other  geologists,  though  none  of  them 
with  the  exception  of  Andrews,  and  Minshall,  had  ever  applied 
its  principles  in  a practical  way. 

Dr.  T.  Sterry  Hunt,  the  late  eminent  Canadian  geologist, 
was  {Probably  the  first  to  recognize  the  principles  involved  in 
the  anticlinal  theory,  having  published  a paper  on  the  subject 
in  the  Canadian  Naturalist,  as  early  as  1859,  and  another  in 
the  American  Journal  of  Science  and  Aids  for  March,  1863. 

The  late  Prof.  E.  B.  Andrews,  of  Marietta,  Ohio,  also  ap- 
pears to  have  reached  the  same  conclusions  independently  of 
Dr.  Hunt,  for  in  an  article  in  the  Ainerican  Journal  of  Science, 
dated  Marietta,  May  20th,  1861,  descriptive  of  the  ‘^Oil  Break” 
of  West  Virginia,  the  influence  of  anticlinal  folds  on  the  oc- 
'urrence  of  oil  and  gas  is  distiric^y  announced. 

Mr.  F.  W.  Minshall,  of  Marietta,  Ohio,  advocated  the  same 


WEST  VIKOTNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


53 


viow  as  Andrews,  concerning  the  West  Virginia  ‘*Oil  Breat** 
in  a series  of  articles  published  in  the  summer  of  1881. 

Prof.  IT.  Iloefer,  the  distinguished  geologist  of  Leoben, 
Austria,  also  appears  to  have  formulated  the  same  conclusions 
from  a study  of  the  Pennsylvania  oil  fields  in  1876,  and  pub- 
lished the  elements  of  the  anticlinal  theory  in  his  book  on 
“The  Petroleum  Industry  of  North  America,’^  pages  77-80, 
without  any  knowledge  of  the  previous  publications  of  Hunt 
and  Andrews,  while  Newberry,  Stevenson,  and  probably  others 
had  advocated  the  influence  of  rock  disturbance  as  early  as 
the  ’70 ’s.  Thus  it  appears  that  the  theory  had  long  ago  been 
recognized  and  its  essential  elements  published,  but  the  practic- 
al ’oil  men  had  never  heard  of  it  in  a way  to  make  any  impres- 
sion up(m  them,  and  the  authors  of  the  theory  had  made  but 
slight  attempts  to  apply  its  principles  practically  in  the  loca- 
tion and  discovery  of  new  oil  or  gas  fields.  This  is  the  work 
which  the  writer  has  especially  accomplished,  and  in  the  doing 
of  it  so  enforced  the  lessons  of  geology  upon  the  minds  of  th% 
men  engaged  in  the  practical  work  of  drilling  for  oil,  that  the 
acceptance  of  the  structural  theory  is  now  universal  among  them, 
as  well  as  among  geologists.  In  this  work  the  writer  has  been 
ably  assisted  by  the  late  Dr.  Edward  Orton,  State  Geologist  of 
Ohio,  whose  acute  mind  and  facile  pen  have  done  much  to  popu- 
larize and  enforce  the  geological  claims  of  the  anticlinal  fceory. 

The  geologists  of  Indiana  have  also  contributed  much  to 
compel  belief  in  the  structural  theory  of  oil  and  gas  accumu- 
lation. 

On  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  in  Russia  no  other  theory 
has  any  followers  whatever,  due  largely  to  the  work  of  IToefer, 
Sjogren,  and  other  geologists.  No  one  can  visit  Baku,  Grozny, 
Gallicia,  and  other  oil  fields  of  the  old  world,  and  see  the  great 
anticlinals  which  accompany  every  important  deposit  of  pet- 
roleum, without  concluding  that  rock  disturbance  is  the  im- 
portant factor  in  such  accumulations.  It  was  the  numerous 
oil  pools  along  the  crest  and  flanks  of  the  great  “Oil  Break’’ 
anticlinal  that  extends  from  Burning  Springs,  W^rt  county,  to 
Eureka,  Pleasants  county.  West  Virginia,  which  first  convinced 


64 


«tEOLOGY  OF  PETROLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


Prof.  Andrews,  in  1861,  of  tlie  agency  of  structure  in  oil  and 
gas  acciininlation.  Guided  by  this  principle,  the  writer  point- 
ed out  and  located  all  the  great  oil  pools  of  West  Virginia, 
for  a Pittsburg  syndicate  in  1884  and  1885,  long  before  the  drill 
finally  demonstrated  the  correctness  of  his  conclusions.  The  de- 
tailed account  of  how  one  of  these  great  pools  was  subsequent- 
ly located  and  developed,  .t5  miles  distant  from  any  oil  pro- 
duction at  the  time,  has  been  told  by  the  writer  in  an  article 
entitled,  “The  Mannington  Oil  Field  and  the  History  of  Its 
Development,”  published  in  the  Bulletin  of  the  Geological  So- 


ciety of  America,  Vol.  8,  pages  187-  216,  April  15th  1892  d 


the  following  quotations  therefrom  will  give  the  reader  a ^fi- 


nite idea  of  the  practical  application  nf  the  principles  embod- 


ied in  the  anticlinal  theory  in  the  discovery  of  an  oil  or  gas 
pool : 

“The  Mannington  oil  field  was  developed  by  myself  and  assdftk 
ates,  and  as  its  location  was  made  from  purely  scientific  deductions 
illustrative  of  certain  theories  concerning  oil  and  gas  accumulation 
which  I have  taught  for  several  years,  a brief  history  of  these  theories 
and  thei]'  application  in  the  discovery  of  the  Mannington  field  may 
not  be  without  interest  to  geologists;  and  this  must  excuse  much  that 
is  personal  to  myself  in  connection  therewith. 

“As  is  well  known,  it  was  formerly  a ])opnlar  saying  among 
practical  oil  men  tliat  “Geology  has  never  filled  an  oil  tank;”  and 
to  such  a low  estate  had  oil  geology  fallen  that  a prominent  producer 
of  oil  and  gas,  disgusted  with  geology  and  geologists,  was  once  heard 
to  remark  that  if  he  wanted  to  make  sure  of  a diy  hole  he  would 
employ  a geologist  to  select  the  location.  It  has  been  my  pleasant 
task  dni-ing  the  last  eight  years  to  assist  in  removing  this  stigma  from 
onr  ])rofession,  so  that  with  the  able  and  valuable  assistance  of  Ohioks 
distinguished  geologist,  Professor  Orton,  Ih-.  Phinney,  of  Indiana,  and 
others  the  battle  against  poi)nlar  as  well-  as  scientific  prejudice  has 
been  fought  and  won  and  this  long  standing  reproach  to  geology  in 
gi'eat  pai't  removed. 

^^The  essential  principles  involved  in  the  “anticlinal  theory,” 
have  been  very  forcibly  and  graphically  set  forth  by  lh*o lessor  Ed- 
wai-d  Orton,  whose  ])hiloso])hic  mind  and  skillful  hand  have  grappled 
with  and  unraveled  so  many  tangled  threads  of  geologic  historv".  Grasp- 
ing at  once  the  truth  of  the  “anti(di]ial  theoiy,”  he  applied  its  prin- 
ciples in  a striking  and  beautiful  way  to  the  explanation  of  the  oil 
and  gas  dejjosits  in  Ohio.  Expressed  in  his  woi-ds,  relief  or  structure 
is  the  essential  element  in  the  acumidation  of  large  quantities  of  either 
oil  or  gas,  for  if  the  rocks  lie  nearly  horizontal  over  a wide  area  we 


WFST  VIKGINTA  GEOLOGICAL  STTKVEY 


find,  wlien  wo  bore  iliroiigli  them,  ‘‘n  lil.llc  oil,  n lit  lie  gas,  a litib* 
water,  a little  of  everything,  and  not  much  of  anything;”  while  if 
the  rock’i reservoirs  be  tilted  considerably,  so  that  the  small  quanti- 
ties of  oil,  gas,  and  water  in  all  sedimentary  beds  can  risarrange  them- 
selves within  the  rocks  in  the  order  of  their  specific  gravities,  then 
and  then  only  can  commercial  quantities  of  each  accumulate,  provided 
the  reservoir  and  cover  are  good.  The  anticlinal  waves  which  trav- 
erse the  great  Appalachian  plateau  westward  frf)m  the  Alleghanies 
and  practically  parallel  to  these  mountains  present  just  such  relief 
as  the  theory  requires  in  the  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  southern  Ohio, 
and  West  Virginia  oil  and  gas  fields,  while  the  more  ancient  flexures 
in  northern  Ohii,  „iid  Indiana  account  for  the  large  accumulations  of 
oil  and  gas  in  the  Trenton  limestone  of  those  states.  The  Florence 
(Colorado)  and  other  oil  fields  in  the  far  western  spates  and  terri- 
tories have  this  tilted  rock  structure,  and  the  same  relief  is  plain  in 
the  Canadian  oil  and  gas  fields,  according  to  Selwyn;  while  Tscherny- 
schew,  Sjogren,  and  other  geologists  who  have  studied  the  foreign 
oil  fields,  report  an  identical  geological  structure  there. 

‘‘This  theory,  so  simple  and  consonant  with  well  known  physical 
laws,  as  well  as  so  harmonious  with  the  facts  of  geology,  was  heart- 
ily welcomed  by  most  of  the  oil  and  gas  operators,  and  by  nearly  all 
geologists  that  have  given  any  thought  to  the  matter,  as  a satisfactory 
solution  of  the  geologic  problem  connected  with  oil  and  gas  accumu- 
lation. A few  have  attempted  to  relegate  the  great  principle  of  relief 
to  a subordinate  position,  but  the  facts  have  pointed  so  conclusively 
in  the  other  direction  that  opposition  has  been  silenced  at  least, 
whether  convinced  or  otherwise. 

“Guided  by  this  theory  I located  in  1884  the  important  gas  and 
oil  field  near  Washington,  Pennsylvania;  also  the  Grapeville  gas 
field  along  that  great  arch  of  the  same  name  in  Westmoreland  coun- 
ty; and  the  Belleveron  field  on  the  Monoiigahela  river.  On  the 
same  theory  I located  and  mai)ped  out,  for  Mr.  J.  M.  Guffey,  the  cele- 
brated Taylortown  oil  field  of  Washington  county,  nine  months  be- 
fore the  drill  demonstrated  the  truth  of  my  conclusions.  And  right 
here  on  this  Mannington-Monnt  Morris  belt  a derrick  was  built  to 
bore  for  oil  on  one  of  my  locations  at  P'airview  more  than  five  years 
before  the  drill  finally  proved  that  my  location  was  immediately' over 
one  of  the  richest  pools  in  the  country,  and  before  the  drill  had 
shown  that  there  was  any  oil  in  this  })ortion  of  West  Virginia.  These 
are  only  a few  of  the  positive  fruits  of  the  theory  to  which  we  can 
point;  the  negative  results  in  condemning  immense  areas  of  both  oil 
and  gas  being  even  more  important  in  preventing  unnecessary  ex- 
penditure and  waste  of  capital  wlieie  a search  for  either  gas  or  oil 
would  have  certainly  been  in  vain. 

“My  working  hypothesis  was  that  since  the  gas  pre.ssure  is  due 
to  a column  of  water,  and  since  this  must  be  practically  the  same  for 
any  limited  area  where  the  rock  lies  at  the  same  depth  below  sea 
level,  the  oil  deposit  in  this  particular  rock  must  extend  across  the 


56 


GEOLOGY  OE  PETliOLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


country  along  the  strike  of  the  beds,  in  a pool  comparable  to  the  sur- 
face of  a lake  or  a chain  of  -small  lakes,  if  the  rock  reservoir  should 
not  be  equally  porous  everywhere  along  the  strike.  Hence,  if  my 
theory  is  true,  it  would  only  be  necessary  to  follow  the  strike  of  any 
particular  coal  bed,  limestone,  or  other  stratum  outcropping  where 
the  oil  was  actually  developed  in  order  to  trace  the  course  of  the  oil 
belt  upon  the  surface,  and  thus  to  determine  with  approximate  ac- 
curacy, many  miles  in  advance  of  the  drill,  the  location  and  width 
of  such  possible  oil  territory.  Very  fortunately  for  my  purpose,  two 
pei-sistent  coals,  the  Waynesburg  and  the  Washington  beds,  cropped 
to  the  surface  at  Mount  Morris,  the  first  well  finished  there  by  Mr. 
E.  M.  Hukill,  in  October,  l.SSfi,  starting  immediately  on  top  of  the 
Waynesburg  seam. 

‘‘My  first  work  was  to  determine  the  tide  elevation  of  these 
coal  beds,  especially  the  Waynesburg,  with  reference  to  oil,  gas  and 
salt  water  as  developed  by  the  Mount  Morris  borings.  For  this  pur- 
pose one  of  my  associates.  Professor  T.  M.  Jackson,  then  Professor  of 
Civil  Engineering  at  the  West  Virginia  University,  ran  a line  of 
levels  from  the  Monongahela  river  (using  a Baltimore  and  Ohio  rail- 
way datum)  out  to  the  oil  field,  and  made  a complete  survey  and 
map  of  the  twenty  or  more  wells  that  had  been  drilled  at  that  time 
(February,  1889)  in  and  about  the  village  of  Mount  Morris.  He  also 
obtained  the  elevations  of  the  coal  beds  at  every  possible  point.  From 
the  data  thus  acquired  it  was  learned  that  wherever  the  Waynesburg 
coal  had  an  elevation  of  950  feet  above  tide,  gas,  and  not  oil 
was  found,  and  that  where  it  had  dipped  down  below  870  feet,  salt 
water  was  a certainty — in  the  Mount  Morris  region  at  least.  As  the 
Washington  Coal  is  155  feet  above  the  Waynesburg  bed,  the  gas  and 
saltwater  limits  were  found  to  be  1,105  and  1,025  feet  above  tide, 
respectively,  when  referred  to  the  Washington  bed  as  a datum  line. 

“With  these  facts  in  hand,  it  was  only  a question  of  correct  iden- 
tification, or  tracing  of  coal  beds,  and  a simple  matter  of  leveling, 
in  order  to  follow  the  strike  of  the  surface  rocks  at  least,  for  a hund- 
red miles  or  more.  But  the  query  arose  to  me,  “Suppose  the  sur- 
face rocks  do  not  lie  parallel  to  the  oil  sand,  then  where  will  the  oil 
belt  be  found'?’’  The  interval  between  these  coal  1)eds  and  the  oil 
sand  might  either  thin  away  considerably  or  thicken  up  an  equal 
amount  in  passing  southward  from  Mount  Alorris.  Of  course,  if 
either  of  these  things  should  happen,  the  strike  of  the  oil  sand  would 
not  run  with  the  strike  of  the  surface  rocks,  but  Avould  gradually  veer 
away  from  the  latter  either  eastward  or  westward,  depending  upon 
whether  the  intervening  measures  should  thicken  up  or  thin  away. 
To  meet  any  such  possible  contingencies,  the  territory  within  which 
it  was  considered  possible  for  oil  to  exist  was  gradually  widened  south- 
ward, and  at  Alanniiigton  extended  eastward  to  where  the  Waynes- 
burg coal  had  an  elevation  of  1,025  feet  instead  of  950  (the  eastern 
limit  of  oil  at  Mount  Alorris,)  and  carried  westward  to  where  it  had 


WES'r  VIUaiNTA  GEOLOGTCAL  SIIJIVEY 


67 


an  elovaiioii  oC  800  instead  of  870  feet  (the  western  limit  of  oil  at 
the  north.) 

‘‘In  following’  tlie  strike  line  from  Mount  Morris  to  Mannington 
its  direction  was  found  to  vary  greatly.  For  the  first  five  or  six 
miles  between  Mount  Morris  and  Dolls  run  the  strike  was  about  S.  30 
degrees  W. ; bnt  toward  the  head  of  Dolls  run,  the  line  turned  rapidly 
westward,  making  a great  curve  or  elbow  and  running  westward  past 
the  village  of  Fairview,  from  which,  with  many  curves  and  sinuosities, 
it  crossed  successively  Plnra  run.  Mods  run  and  Buffalo  creek  at  Man- 
nington, on  a general  course  of  S.  45  degrees  W.,  but  varying  from 
this  10  degrees  to  15  degrees  either  way  in  certain  localities.  The 
strike  line  carried  on  southward  from  Mannington  passed  into  Har- 
rison county  through  the  villages  of  Pleasantville  and  Grangeville. 

“This  course  which  I thus  mapped  out  for  the  extension  of  the 
Mount  Morris  oil  belt  was  so  crooked  and  passed  so  mnch  farther 
westward  than  the  practical  oil  men  had  considered  possible  that  my 
geological  line,  or  hypothetical  belt,  furnished  occasion  for  many 
jokes  and  gibes  at  my  expense  among  the  oil  fraternity;  and  it  was 
with  the  gieatest  difficulty  and  only  by  liberal  gifts  of  supposed  oil 
territory  that  I could  induce  any  of  them  to  risk  their  money  on  a 
purely  geological  theory.  Finally,  however,  a contract  to  drill  a test 
well  in  the  vicinity  of  Mannington  was  entered  into  in  the  spring  of 
1889  with  Mr.  A.  J.  Montgomery,  of  Washington,  Penns^dvania,  a 
gentleman  who  had  given  considerable  thought  to  geology.  As  this 
was  to  be  a crucial  test  of  my  theory,  the  proper  location  for  the  test, 
20  miles  distant  from  any  producing  oil  well,  gave  me  no  little  con- 
cern, since  if  the  well  should  ])rove  a failure,  oil  geology  would  receive 
a fatal  blow,  in  the  eyes  of  practical  oil  men,  while  if  successful  their 
contidence  in  geology  would  be  greatly  increased  and  strengthened. 

“The  problem  1 had  to  solve  was,  whether  the  interval  between 
the  surface  rocks  and  the  oil  sand  would  remain  the  same  as  at 
Mount  Moj-ris,  or  whethei'  it  Avould  eithei*  thicken  or  thin;  since,  upon 
my  theory,  if  I made  a location  at  Mannington  where  the  Waynes- 
burg  coal  had  an  elevation  of  900  feet  above  tide,  and  the  interval 
from  it  to  the  oil  sand  retnained  the  same  (1,025  feet)  as  at  Mount 
Moriis,  then  if  the  oil  rock  j)i-oved  open  and  jxnons  a fair  oil  well 
should  be  found;  while  if,  on  the  other  hand,  this  interval  should 
thill  Away  to,  say,  1,575  feet,  then  gas  would  be^  found,  and  if  it 
should  thicken  up  to  1,075  f(‘et,  salt  water  would  be  obtained,  and 
this  especially  would  be  fatal  to  my  theory,  for  the  practical  oil  men 
were  predicting  that  Mannington  was  several  miles  too  fai-  west- 
ward, and  hence  was  in  salt  water  territory.  In  the  absence  of  any 
evidence  bearing  ipion  the  subject,  and  rathei-  in  opposition  to  a 
general  geological  fact,  viz.:  that  the  sedimentary  beds  thin  awa}^ 
rapidly  westward  t roin  the  Alleglianies,  I made  up  my  mind  to  take 
no  chances  on  salt  water  in  this,  the  fii'st  test  well,  and  in  finally 
determining  the  location,  placed  it  where  the  Waynesburg  coal  had 
an  altitude  of  970  feet  and  the  Washington  about  1,125  feet.  Such 


58 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETROLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


a location  at  Mount  Morris  would  have  been  in  the  g-as  belt  by  an 
elevation  of  20  to  25  feet  to  spare. 

the  diill  progressed  it  was  found  that  the  intervening  rocks 
were  thickening  instead  of  thinning  when  compared  with  the  Mount 
Morris  column,  and  when  the  top  of  the  oil  sand  (‘‘Big  Injun’’) 
was  finally  struck,  the  interval  from  it  to  the  Waynesburg  coal  meas- 
ured exactly  1,725  feet  instead  of  1,625,  as  at  Mount  Morris.  Fin- 
ally, on  October  11,  18S9,  the  drill  penetrated  the  oil-bearing  zone 
of  this  sand,  and  was  immediately  followed  by  a copious  showing  of 
oil,  the  result  being  that  my  theory  was  at  once  raised  from  the 
domain  of  conjecture  to  that  of  demonstrated  fact.  Thus  a great 
victory  was  won  for  geology,  since  it  taught  the  practical  oil  men 
once  for  all  that  they  could  not  afford  to  disregard  geological  truths 
in  their  search  for  oil  deposits. 

“This  thickening  of  the  interval  between  the  Waynesburg  coal 
and  the  oil  sand  to  the  extent  of  100  feet,  in  the  distance  of  25  miles 
from  Mount  Morris  to  Mannington,  proved  to  have  exactly  the  effect 
that  I anticipated,  i.  e.,  it  caused  the  oil  belt  to  veer  eastward  until 
it  gradually  encroaches  upon  the  territory  occupied  by  the  gas  belt 
in  the  vicinity  of  Mount  Moi^ris;  so  that  the  western  edge  of  the  oil 
belt  at  Mannington  is  found  where  the  Waynesburg  coal  has  an  alti- 
tude of  950  feet  above  tide,  which  is  where  the  eastern  edge  occurs 
at  Mount  Morris,  and  the  gas  belt  begins ; and  hence,  had  the  first  lo- 
cation at  Mannington  been  made  without  taking  into  account  a pos- 
sible thickening,  the  well  would  have  been  too  far  westward,  and  a 
dry  hole  or  salt  water  would  have  been  the  certain  result.  The  amount 
of  this  eastward  shifting  of  the  strike  of  the  oil  sand  compared  with 
the  strike  of  the  surface  rocks  between  Mount  Morris  and  Manning- 
ton  is  something  more  than  half  a mile. 

“Since  this  Mannington  test  well  was  drilled,  about  200  others 
have  been  sunk  along  the  belt,  as  previously  defined  by  me,  between 
Mount  Morris  and  Mannington ; and  the  correctness  of  my  theoretical 
work  has  been  demonstrated  by  the  drill  in  opening  up  along  this 
belt  through  Marion  and  Monongalia  counties  one  of  the  largest  and 
most  valuable  oil  fields  in  the  country.  Fewer  dry  holes  have  been 
found  along  this  belt  than  on  any  other  oil  belt  known  to  me,  not 
more  than  5 per  cent  of  the  wells  drilled  within  the  defined  limits 
proving  totally  dry. 

“It  is  not  claimed  that  this  same  chain  of  reasoning  can  be  ap- 
plied with  lige  successful  results  to  the  discovery  and  development  of 
every  great  oil  field  that  yet  lies  hidden  below  the  surface  of  the 
Appalachian  plateau,  but  it  is  believed  that  a correct  understanding 
and  appreciation  of  the  principles  involved  and  used  in  the  discovery 
of  the  Mannington  oil  field  cannot  fail  to  prove  most  useful  and 
helpful  to  both  operator  and  geologist  in  limiting  the  expensive  ex- 
ploration of  the  drill  to  regions  where  the  geological  structure  would 
indicate  favorable  locations  for  oil  deposits.  Of  course  no  sedi- 
mentary bed  can  extend  indefinitely  in  any  direction,  or  even  for 


WEST  VTIKHNTA  (GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


59 


oonsidornblo  dislaiu'C's,  willioiit  iiTid(‘r«'()ijij2:  a (diang-e  in  Uio  cliaracter 
of  its  eonstitiioiil  olemoiils.  Tlie  iTidividual  particdes  of  which  it  is 
composed  must  vary  in  size,  and  tlie  cementing  material,  or  lack  of 
it,  must  be  an  evei’-changing  (imintity.  For  these  reasons  any  oil  rock 
must  be  quite  variable  in  ])orosity,  and  hence  its  productiveness  can- 
not be  a constant  amount.  Where  the  oil  sand  is  a mere  bed  of 
coarse  gravel  or  pebbles  like  that  in  the  famous  McDonald  region  of 
Washington  county,  Pennsylvania,  or  in  Die  great  Russian  oil  field, 
then  the  production  of  an  oil  Avell  seems  to  l3e  limited  only  by  the 
size  of  the  bore  hole;  while,  on  the  contrary,  the  producing  rock  may 
become  so  close  and  compact  within  a few  feet  from  a large  producer 
as  to  be  ])i-actieally  barren  of  oil.  This  fact  was  strikingly  illustrated 
recently  at  IVIcDonald,  Pennsylvania,  since  at  the  very  time  the  fam- 
ous Mevey  well  number  1 was  gushing  oil  at  the  rate  of  15,000  bar- 
rels daily,  another  well  was  drilled  through  the  same  ‘fFifth  sand,” 
only  300  feet  distant,  and  proved  to  be  practically  dry — the  char- 
acter of  the  producing  rqck  having  undergone  a great  change  and 
become  so  close  grained  within  such  a short  distance  that  it  could 
not  hold  oil  in  paying  finantity.  If  snch  changes  as  this  can  happen 
in  the  character  of  an  oil  rock  reservoir  within  a few  feet,  much  more 
would  we  expect  such  changes  within  a few  miles;  and  thus  it  hap- 
pens that  although  there  aj)])ears  t(3  be  a continuous  deposit  of  oil 
in  the  Mount  Morris  sand,  from  the  Pennsylvania  line  southward  to 
Mannington,  and  for  at  least  six  miles  beyond,  yet  the  productive 
ness  of  the  rock  is  not  everywhere  the  same,  because  the  character  of 
the  sand  (reservoir)  is  not  constant.  This  condition  of  affairs  tends 
to  concentrate  the  richest  t(u-ritory  into  pools  of  greater  or  less  ex- 
tent which  are  se])arated  from  each  other  by  territory  that  is  spot- 
ted” or  less  ])roductive. 

When  this  tendency  to  change  in  the  character  of  the  sand  or 
reservoii-  is  carried  so  fai’  as  to  render  the  rock  im]3ermeable  to  gas, 
oil  or  watei-  for  a consichu'able  distance,  then  any  oil  belt  must  come 
to  an  end,  and  we  need  not  ex]3ect  it  to  set  in  again  on  the  same 
strike  of  the  rocks  (though  that  is  ]>ossible,)  but  rather  when  the 
sti’atum  becomes  again  product  ive  it  will  be  found  at  a lower  or  higher 
level  and  on  a different  stiake  line,  so  that  in  this  way  we  may  have 
several  parallel  belts  of  oil  in  the  sanui  stratum,  and  occu])ying  dif- 
ferent levels  with  reference  to  tluui-  tidal  elevation.  Thus,  there  are 
numerous  productive  belts  of  the  old  Third  Venango  oil  sand  from 
Titusville,  where  it  lies  several  hundi-ed  feet  above  tide,  down  to 
the  soiithweslei-n  cormn-  of  Pennsylvania,  where  it.  is  12,000  feet  be- 
low tide.  Hence  the  i)rinciples  illiisti-ated  in  this  ])aper  have  a local 
as  welj  as  a general  application^ — local,  to  enable  the  ojierator  to  fol- 
low the  course  of  the  oil  belt  wlum  discovered;  and  general,  to  enable 
him  to  limit  his  search  for  oil  torintoiy  to  the  localities  where  the 
geological  structure  is  favorable.” 


60 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETKOLETTM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


Effect  of  Mannmgton  Experiment  Upon  Operators. 

'I'lie  successful  outcome  of  the  Maniiin^ton  experiment 
converted  most  operators  to  a belief  in  the  structural  theory  of 
oil  and  gas  accumulation,  and  even  the  few  who  may  still  assert 
their  unbelief  in  what  they  call  the  “anticlinal  theor^^”  make 
use  of  its  principles  in  all  their  petroleum  ventures;  for  there 
are  no  ])rominent  operators  now  who  do  not  observe  very  closely 
the  (lip  and  strike  of  the  strata,  and  many  of  them  employ  expert 
geologists,  and  engineers  to  gather  data  in  the  fields  as  a guide 
to  successful  operations. 

Relation  of  West  Virginia  Oil  and  Gas  Pools  to  Geological 

Structure.  ^ 

Every  gas  and  oil  pool  in  West  Virginia  illustrates  and  dem- 
onstrates the  truth  of  the  structural  theory.  The  Sistersville  field 
occupies  the  crown  of  a broad,  low  anticlinal  where  the  relief  is 
not  sulficient  to  permit  the  sejiaration  of  the  gas,  oil  and  salt 
water,  and  hence  we  find  them  all  three  commingled  until  the 
Big  Injun  Sand  which  holds  them  dips  down  to  a level  where 
only  salt  water  is  found.  At  but  one  or  two  limited  areas  in 
that  great  field  has  gas  unaccompanied  with  oil  or  salt  water 
been  found,  and  these  were  (as  they  should  be)  where  the  sand 
attained  its  highest  elevation. 

The  great  gas  district  which  stretches  across  Monongalia, 
Marion,  Harrison,  eastern  Doddridge,  Lewis,  Upshur,  Gilmer, 
Braxton,  Calhoun  and  Roane  counties,  lies  along  the  eastern 
edge  of  the  oil  fields,  and  therefore  where  the  rock  is  elevated 
by  anticlinal  folds,  down  the  slopes  of  which  to  the  west  we  find 
such  remarkable  oil  deposits. 

The  wonderful  gas  district  of  Wetzel  and  Tyler  counties  lies 
along  the  crest  of  a prominent  arch  of  the  rocks  which  passing 
south-westward  through  Kingtown,  crosses  the  South  Fork  of 
Big  Fishing  Creek  through  Owl’s  Head  Knob,  (the  greatest  gas 
region  in  the  country),  and  continuing  on  south-westward  across 
Piney  Fork,  below  that  village,  passes  intu  Tyler  county,  along 
the  crest  of  which  we  find  a great  gas  development  extending  past 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


61 


Bredin  to  the  ‘‘Big  Moses”  gas  field  on  Indian  creek,  to  which 
the  Philadelphia  Company  of  Pittsburg  has  laid  75  miles  of  16- 
inch  pipe  line;  while  just  east  of  this  anticlinal  down  its  south- 
eastern slope  lies  the  Piney  Fork,  Alva,  Hardman,  and  other 
great  oil  deposits. 

The  string  of  oil  pools  along  the  crest  and  flanks  of  the 
famous  “Oil  Break”  anticlinal  from  Burning  Springs  to  Eureka, 
and  northwaixl  into  Ohio,  repeats  the  same  story  in  such  a strik- 
ing way  that  “he  who  runs  may  read,”  while  the  sudden  ter- 
mination of  the  oil  pools  south-west  from  this  great  arch,  is  a 
striking  argument  for  the  influence  of  structure  in  determining 
the  occurrence  of  oil  and  gas  in  paying  quantities. 

Region  Southwest  From  the  Little  Kanawha  River. 

Probably  300  wells  have  been  drilled  in  that  portion  of 
the  state  between  the  Little  Kanawha  river  and  the  Big  Sandy 
at  the  Kentucky  line,  a distance  of  more  than  100  miles,  and  yet, 
aside  from  a half  dozen  small  oil  wells  in  Roane  county,  doing 
from  5 to  10  barrels  daily,  and  a few  gas  wells  of  moderate  size, 
the  only  pools  of  either  gas  or  oil  of  much  commercial  value,  yet 
developed  in  all  this  long  stretch  of  territory,  are  the  gas  pool 
developed  by  Mr.  P.  P.  Crosscup  at  the  head  of  Sandy  creek  in 
Roane  county  and  the  oil  pool  near  Milton,  in  Cabell  county. 
The  fact  that  these  two  i)roductive  pools  lie  alojig  the  north- 
west slopes  of  the  only  prominent  anticlinal  arch  which  has  yet 
been  discovej*ed  in  this  entire  region  is  quite  suggestive  and 
should  lead  the  operator  to  make  careful  investigations  of  struct- 
ural conditions  in  the  broad  area  between  the  Ohio  river,  and 
where  the  rocks  begin  to  rise  rapidly  along  the  slopes  of  the 
Milton  and  Sandy  oil  and  gas  pools,  since  in  much  of  this  re- 
gion where  so  many  unproductive  wells  have  been  drilled,  the 
rocks  appear  to  be  practically  horizontal.  It  is  true,  the  unb'sted 
region  is  large,  and  it  may  contain  several  good  od  and  gas 
pools,  but  its  lack  of  prominent  anticlinals,  and  other  structural 
features  associated  with  the  productive  teiadtory  north  from  the 
Little  Kanawha  river,  togetlK^r  with  the  negative  results  obtained 


62 


GEOLOGY  OE  PETROLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


vy 


ill  the  drilling  of  these  300  test  wells  give  but  little  encourage- 
ment to  the  operabu*. 

Necessary  Conditions  for  the  Existence  of  Oil  or  Gas  in  Under- 
lying S G'ata. 

The  surface  indications  for  the  presence  of  oil  or  gas  in  any 
region  are,  then,  the  existence  of  well  marked  anticlinal  waves, 
or  what  leads  to  the  same  results  (viz.,  the  accumulation  of  oil  or 
gas  in  pools  of  merchantable  value),  the  jiresence  of  rapid  and 
irregular  dips,  giving  rise  to  the  terrace  or  warped  structure  of 
the  strata.  Of  course  these  must  be  supplemented  by  the  pres- 
ence of  porous  reservoirs  at  a depth  sufficiently  great  to  pre- 
vent the  escape  of  oil  and  gas  to  the  surface  in  any  considerable 
quantity. 

Effect  of  Oil  and  Gas  Escaping  to  the  Surface. 

Where  such  an  escape  does  take  place,  we  get  as  a result 
heavy  lubricating  oils,  as  in  the  ‘‘shallow  sand”  district  near 
Petroleum,  Ritchie  county,  in  which  case  the  overlying  rocks  are 
mostly  porous  sandstones,  and  evidently  much  fractured  by  the 
nearness  of  the  great  Burning  Springs — Eureka  uplift. 

Effect  of  Rock  Eissures  Upon  Oil  and  Gas  Deposits. 

When  this  fracturing  of  the  strata  has  proceeded  still  fur- 
ther and  opened  out  wide  fissures  (1  to  5 feet),  as  at  “Ritchie 
Mine”  on  McFarland’s  Run,  Ritchie  county,  W.  Va.,  ('xtendirig 
downward  through  all  the  strata  to  and  below  the  underlying  oil 
sands,  thus  permitting  the  escape  of  large  (juantities  of  oil  and 
gas,  the  subsequent  evaporation,  and  oxidation  of  thr  residual 
products  left  filling  such  fissures,  have  residted  in  converting 
them  into  an  asphaltic  substance,  resembling  coal  in  appearance, 
named  Grahamite,  in  the  case  of  the  Ritchie  Mine  d(qx>sit.  That 
this  was  the  origin  of  Grahamite,  Albertite,  Uintaite,  or  Gilsonife, 
is  certain,  since  recent  drilling  near  the  Ritchie  Mine  in  West 
Virginia  has  revealed  a productive  oil  sand  (“Salt  Sand”)  at 
1,500  feet  below  the  valley,  and  what  is  most  significant  is  the 
fact  that  only  a little  oil  is  found  in  the  underlying  sand  until 
the  wells  are  located  from  500  to  800  feet  distant  from  the  fis- 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GERLOGIOAL  STRVEY 


03 


sure,  thus  showing  that  tlie  rock  has  been  drained  in  the  imme- 
diate vicinity  of  the  latter. 

When  Fissures  are  Small  and  Through  Shale  the  Oil  is 

Unaffected. 

When  the  fissures  are  mere  joints  and  through  close-grained 
beds  like  shale,  the  escape  of  gas  and  oil  to  the  surface  appears 
to  be  largely  prevented  by  even  an  hundred  feet  or  so  of  such 
rock  material,  since  at  Cairo,  Ritchie  county,  an  oil  of  35  de- 
grees gravity  is  produced  by  the  Clark  Oil  Company  from  a sand 
which  lies  less  than  100  feet  below  the  bed  of  North  Hughes 
River.  At  Deem’s  Ferry,  on  the  South  Fork  of  the  same  stream, 
an  oil  of  40  degrees  to  42  degrees  gravity  is  found  at  a depth  of 
only  250  feeet,  and  the  oil  at  the  mouth  of  Island  run  has  about 
the  same  gravity  at  a depth  of  300  feet. 

Mountain  Regions. 

In  most  mountain  regions,  the  fracturing  of  the  strata  has 
been  carried  on  to  such  an  extent  that  all  the  available  stores  of 
gas  and  oil  that  may  once  have  existed  in  the  beds  have  passed 
out  of  the  original  reservoirs  through  their  defective  covers,  es- 
caping into  the  air,  and  hence  it  is  useless  to  drill  for  oil  or  gas 
to  any  ordinary  depth  in  typical  mountain  regions. 

It  is  barely  possible  that  under  a great  thickness  of  close 
grained  beds  or  shales  the  gas  and  petroleum  originally  contained 
in  rock  reservoirs  so  situated  may  still  be  imprisoned.  No  bor- 
ings in  mountain  regions  have  been  sunk  to  a depth  sufficiently 
great  (4,000-5,000  feet)  to  test  the  truth  of  this  supposition. 

The  escape  of  the  gas  and  easily  volatilized  elements  of 
the  oil  would  render  any  remaining  product  so  thick  and  viscous 
as  to  be  unavailable  except  through  mining  operations  as  in 
the  case  of  all  asphaltic  deposits  which  are  only  the  residua  of 
evaporated  pools  of  petroleum.  The  great  asphalt  deposit  at 
Trinidad  is  not  in  the  crater  of  an  extinct  volcano  as  some  ge- 
ologists have  stated,  but  is  simply  the  asphaltic  constituents  of 
a great  pool  of  petroleum  comparable  to  Beaumont,  Tex.,  or 


64 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETEOLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


Baku,  Russia,  where  the  cover  lias  eroded  and  the  volatili3 
constituents  of  the  oil  have  escaped. 

The  SignilicdncG  of  Degree  Lines. 

It  has  long  been  a favorite  method  with  many  operators  for 
oil  or  gas  to  follow  some  particular  degree  lines  as  a basis  for 
further  developments  after  the  first  paying  oil  or  gas  well  is 
obtained  in  any  region.  S.  45  degrees  \N.  or  N.  45  degrees  E.  is 
a favorite  line  Avith  many,  while  22i/^  degrees,  30  degrees  and 
35  degrees  as  well  as  other  figures  have  had  their  adherents. 
That  a considerable  measure  of  success  has  attended  the  ob- 
servance of  such  lines  is  a AA^ell  attested  fact  and  the  explanation 
is  not  difficult.  Such  lines  are  approximately  parallel,  and  some- 
times coincident  for  several  miles  with  the  sti'ike  of  the  strata, 
or  in  other  words  the  dii’ection  in  which  the  oil  or  gas  rock  lies 
approximately  level,  which  is,  of  course,  in  most  cases  on  a line 
parallel  with  anticlinal  axes  or  other  structural  features  of  the 
region,  and  the  structural  theory  of  oil  and  gas  teaches  that  in 
any  particular  pool  the  rock  which  contains  the  oil  or  gas,  is 
likely  to  be  saturated  with  the  same  as  far  as  it  remains  porous 
and  occupies  the  same  level.  Hence  as  these  lines  of  strike 
or  no  dip  are  ai)proximately  parallel  to  the  Alleghany 
mountains,  (which  extend  N.  E.  and  S.  W.  at  angles  of  30  de- 
grees to  45  degrees,)  any  degree  line  ai)proaching  these  figures 
must  run  some  distance  along  an  oil  pool  of  considerable 
breadth  before  passing  to  either  side  of  the  same,  and  thus  a de- 
gree line  is  valuable  in  searching  for  oil.  For  example  a 45  de- 
gree line  from  Mt.  Morris,  Pa.,  S.  W.  to  Mannington,  W.  Va., 
will  define  a large  area  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand  oil  territory  be- 
tween the  two  points  and  a similar  line  Northeast  from  the  orig- 
inal Thomas  ivell  on  Plat  Run,  Marion  county,  will  run  for  10 
miles  or  more  through  that  great  Gordon  Sand  pool  to  the  front 
of  developments  in  Monongalia  county.  In  the  former  case 
the  45  degree  line  would  first  i)ass  west  of  the  oil  belt ; then  aci'oss, 
and  east  of  it;then  back  into,  and  with  it  to  Mannington  and 
beyond,  while  on  the  latter  or  Plat  Run  belt,  the  45  degree 
line  would  be  within  oil  territory  at  every  point  from  the 


WFST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


r,5 

Thomas  well  in  Marion  to  the  farthest  to  the  northeast  yet 
drilled  in  Monongalia.  On  the  Campbell ’s  Run  belt,  however, 
wiiicli  lies  3 to  4 niiU‘S  west  from  the  RIat  Run  develop- 
ments, a 45  de<^’ree  line  rrom  the  original  tiles  ivell,  to  the  north- 
east, would  soon  pass  east  of  that  belt  and  ijito  the  barren  area 
between  it  and  the  Pdat  Rnn  field,  while  a 35  degree  line  would 
pass  through  a productive  oil  belt  nearly  to  or  beyond  the  Penn- 
sylvania State  line. 

Structural,  or  Strike  Lines  Safest  to  Follow. 

The  best  plan,  however,  is  to  disregard  the  degree  lines  and 
follow  the  strike  or  level  lines  of  the  surface  rocks,  such  as  coal 
beds,  limestones,  or  persistent  sandstones,  when  neither  of  the 
other  two  classes  of  strata  are  available,  since  the  oil  sands  al- 
though many  hundreds,  or  even  thousands  of  feet  below  the 
surface,  are  aiiproximately  })arallel  to  the  surface  rocks,  and  rise 
when  the  latter  rise,  or  dij)  when  they  descend;  thus  when  the 
rocks  are  level,  the  oil  sands  are  nearly  so.  This  law  holds  true 
for  all  the  area  noi-th  from  the  Little  Kanawha  river,  but  when 
we  pass  southwest  from  that  stream,  and  start  southward  the 
measures  thicken  so  rapidly  in  that  direction  that  while  the  sur- 
face beds  may  be  rising,  the  oil  sands  many  hundred  feet  below 
may  lie  flat,  or  even  be  dipi)ing  to  the  south,  and  this  condition 
of  affairs  is  possibly  one  of  tlie  causes  why  so  few  pools  of  oil 
or  gas  have  yet  been  found  southwest  of  the  Little  Kanawha  re- 
gion, since  the  relief  whi(‘h  evmi  a rapid  rise  of  the  surface  beds 
to  the  southeast  would  indi('at(‘,  may  possibly  be  offset  and  over- 
come by  this  thickeming  of  tlu'  beds  below  the  surface,  so  that  the 
regular  oil  sand  foi-mations  have  little  or  no  relief,  being  ap- 
proximately lev(‘l,  and  heiu'e  according  to  the  “anticlinal  the- 
ory,” may  not  b(‘  expected  to  hold  oil  or  gas  in  {)aying  quantity, 
except  in  areas  of  that  region  where  these  underlying  sands 
have  b(‘en  warpi'd  up  into  folds  or  more  rapid  dips  like  those 
near  Milton,  and  the  h(‘adwat('rs  of  Sandy  creek  in  Roane 
county. 

Rock  Pressure  in  Oil  and  Gas  Wells. 

When  an  oil  or  gas  well  is  drilled  and  the  casing  valve 


5 


66 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETKOLEUM  AND  NATUKAL  GAS 


closed  so  that  the  product  cannot  escape  into  the  air,  a pressure 
is  developed  inside  the  pipe,  '^lis  pressure  which  increases  with 
the  depth  of  the  oil  or  gas  reservoir  below  the  surface  in  about 
the  same  x)i’oportion  as  would  the  pressure  in  a column  of  water 
to  the  same  depth,  is  known  as  ‘‘Rock  pressure/^  and  is  always 
greatest  when  a pool  of  oil  or  gas  is  first  opened.  When  the 
producing  capacity  or  volume  of  a well  is  large,  the  total  pres- 
sure wbich  a well  will  develop  when  shut  in,  is  attained  in  a few 
srco’uls,  or  a minute  at  most,  the  famous  Morgan  well  of  the 
South  Penn  Oil  Co.,  six  miles  southwest  from  Mannington,  hav- 
ing developed  a pressure  of  800  pounds  to  the  square  inch  in- 
side of  a three-inch  pipe  almost  instantly.  Wells  with  such  large 
volume  mean  very  open  and  porous  reservoirs  from  which  the 
gas  or  o41  can  escape  with  great  rapidity.  But  a well  of  small 
volume,  if  completely  shut  in,  will  gradually  develop  the  same 
“rock  pressure,”  though  it  may  be  several  hours  or  even  days 
in  attaining  it,  as  the  one  with  large  volume,  provided,  both 
produce  from  the  same  reservoir,  and  are  situated  in  the  same 
pool. 

The  volume  or  value  of  a gas  well  is  always  roughly  esti- 
mated from  the  pressure  developed  per  minute  when  shut  in 
(called  its  “minute  pressure”)  and  its  total  or  “rock  pressure.” 
The  ingenious  method  of  measuring  accurately  the  capacity  of 
any  gas  well  in  cubic  feet  of  product,  by  means  of  the  Pitot  tube 
adapted  and  modified  by  Prof.  Robinson,  of  the  Ohio  State  Uni- 
versity, as  already  described,  has  not  been  used  until  quite  re- 
cently by  the  gas  companies  operating  in  West  Virginia,  so  far 
as  known  to  the  writer,  greatly  to  their  loss  and  detriment. 

Cause  of  Bock  Pressure. 

There  has  been  much  speculation  as  to  the  cause  of  “rock 
pressure”  in  gas  and  oil  wells,  and  many  (including  the  writer) 
have  believed  it  was  of  artesian  origin,  that  is,  due  t©  water 
which  has  invaded  the  same  rock  from  its  outcrop  at  the  surface. 
Pj*of.  Edward  Orton,  the  eminent  State  Geologist  of  Ohio,  who 
has  contributed  so  much  to  elucidate  the  problems  connected 
with  petroleum  and  natural  gas,  once  held  this  view,  and, 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


07 


apparently  (iemonsti-ated  its  tinitli  for  tlio  Trenton  Limestone  g^as 
of  Ohio,  since  in  nearly  every  case  the  ol)serv(Ml  pressures  agreed 
with  the  calculated  pressure,  assuming  it  to  be  of  artesian  origin 
and  taking  the  level  of  Lake  Erie  as  the  surface  outcrop  of  tlie 
Trenton  Limestone.  Recently,  however,  ITof.  Orton  has  made 
some  observations  while  studying  the  gas  fields  of  New  York 
that  could  not  be  explained  ui)on  the  artesian  theory,  since  in 
this  case  the  “rock  pressure”  was  1500  })ounds  to  the  square 
inch  at  a depth  of  many  hundred  feet  less  than  the  theory  would 
require,  hence  it  breaks  down  as  an  explanation  for  all  cases  of 
gas  and  oil  pressures,  even  if  it  may  be  the  true  cause  in  many 
fields,  like  the  Trenton  Rock  of  Ohio,  Indiana,  etc.  In  such 
cases  like  that  of  New  York  we  are  forced  back  upon  the 
‘‘expansion  hypothesis T’  advocated  long  ago  b}^  Prof.  Lesley, 
as  the  only  theory  that  will  explain  the  facts,  and  the  same 
would  a])pear  to  be  the  only  theory  consistent  with  the  facts 
concerning  the  high  pressures  in  the  deep  or  Gordon  group  of 
oil  sands  in  West  Virginia,  since  nowhere  in  Monongalia,  Marion, 
Wetzel,  Marshall,  Tyler,  Doddridge  or  Harrison  counties  has 
any  water*  been  found  in  this  grouj),  evidently  because  tliey 
are  so  deeply  buried  (2500-3500  feed)  by  overlying  close  gi'ained 
beds  that  the  surface  waters  have  failed  to  percolate  down  to 
them,  and  hence  in  these  cases  there  would  be  no  water  present 
in  the  oil  sands  to  cause  the  artesian  pressure.  It  is  barely 
possible  that  the  seeming  agreement  with  the  artesian  pressure 
theory  may  be  due  to  the  long  continued  escape  of  small  (jiianti- 
ties  of  gas  upward  along  small  fissui'es  and  joints  tln-ough  the 
overlying  strata  until  the  |)i'essure  of  expansion  within  the  rock 
reservoir  has  been  i*educed  to  what  we  now  find  it  on  opening 
any  new  gas  field.  This  aiypears  to  be  Prof.  Orton’s  explanation 


*Tlie  only  exception  to  this  statement  known  is  a single  well  of 
the  Delmar  Oil  Co.  on  the  Shaffer  farm,  southwest  from  Manning- 
ton,  where  some  fresh  Avater  made  its  ap}'>earance  in  the  Gordon  sand, 
but  here  there  is  a possibility  that  it  was  due  to  a leak  in  the  f)uter 
casings,  or  a rock  fissure  communicating  with  the  upper  beds  whicli 
may  thus  have  led  the  suiTace  waters  down  to  the  oil  sand  after  the 
well  was  di'illed. 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETEOLEUM  AND  NATUEAL  GAS 


of  the  exceptional  pressure  found  at  a comparatively  shallow 
depth  in  the  New  York  held  to  which  reference  has  been  made. 
It  is  also  ])ossible  that  this  may  account  for  the  apparent  agree- 
ment between  the  i)ressures  observed,  and  the  calculated  artesian 
pressures  in  many  new  gas  fields,  since  if  there  should  be  a 
constant  esca})e  of  gas  from  any  pool,  the  rock  pressure  would 
decrease  continually  until  the  expansive  force  of  the  remaining 
gas  just  equals  the  resistance  of  its  passage  to  the  surface,  and 
in  the  case  of  small  hssures  hlled  with  water  this  pressure  would 
evidently  be  practically  the  same  as  the  weight  of  a column  of 
water  extending  from  the  outcrop  level  of  the  gas  reservoir.' 
rock  down  to  its  level  in  the  gas  pool. 

Reservoir  Gas  and  Shale  Gas. 

Dr.  Orton  makes  a distinction  between  what  he  terms  reser- 
voir gas,  and  shale  gas,  the  former  including  all  sand  or  lime- 
stone strata,  and  the  latter  shale  beds,  which  are  mostly  black. 
The  pressure  in  shale  gas  is  usually  low  and  the  volume  small, 
the  wells  at  Erie,  Pa.,  and  near  Louisville,  Ky.,  being  examples 
of  the  same.  So  far  as  yet  developed  the  West  Virginia  gas 
horizons  all  belong  under  the  first  or  reservoir  type,  unless 
indeed  we  should  include  under  the  shale  series,  that  found  in 
the  coal  beds  and  in  the  deep  boring  near  Huntington.  Several 
examples  are  known  in  West*  Virginia  as  well  as  Pennsylvania, 
where  valuable  flows  of  gas  have  been  obtained  from  coal  beds. 
One  of  these  was  struck  at  Hundred,  Wetzel  county,  W.  Va., 
in  1886,  by  Messrs.  Gibson  and  Giles,  in  the  Pittsburg  coal,  at 
700  feet  in  depth.  Enough  gas  was  found  therein  according  to 
Mr.  Gibson,  with  which  to  finish  drilling  the  well  through  the 
Gordon  sand,  and  it  still  furnishes  a portion  of  the  supply  for 
the  village. 

Volume  and  Maximuyn  Bock  Pressure  in  Gas  Wells. 

Many  of  the  great  gas  wells  of  West  Virginia  from  the  deep 
or  Gordon  sand  group  have  never  been  tested  for  rock  pressures 
when  the  pools  in  which  they  are  situated  were  first  opened,  and 
hence  we  do  not  know  exactly  how  great  this  pressure  may  be 
in  the  regions  where  these  sands  lie  deepest. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SERVEY 


69 


Tlie  Tlioinas  Cunnin^liain  No.  1,  of  the  South  Ih'nn  Oil 
Company  in  Wetz('l  county,  was  one  of  the  v(ny  larg('  wells  in 
tlie  Gordon  group,  and  on  July  1st,  1898,  after  it  had  been 
completed  nearly  a year,  and  had  blown  into  the  air  several 
months  before  it  was  possible  to  shut  it  in,  the  rock  pressure 
was  still  1,200  pounds  to  the  square  inch.  ' 

The  W.  J.  McCoy  well  in  Greene  district,  Wetzel  county, 
is  also  another  very  large  well  drilled  by  the  same  company. 
Mr.  Wm.  S.  Edwards  of  Mannington,  foi‘merly  Superintendent 
of  the  South  Penn  Oil  Co.,  reports  that  the  McCoy  gas  well 
showed  a pressure  of  1,075  pounds  in  one  minute  in  5 3-16-inch 
casing,  which  was  the  limit  of  the  test.  This  well  has  a depth 
of  about  2,800  feet,  and  the  Cunningham  the  same,  as  both 
produce  from  the  ‘‘Stray”  immediately  above  what  is  called  the 
“Gordon  sand”  in  Wetzel. 

The  Abe  Shriver  well  No.  1 in  Battelle  district,  Monongalia 
county,  drilled  by  the  South  Penn  Oil  Co.,  gave  a rode  pressnre 
of  1,200  pounds  (the  limit  of  the  gauge)  on  a one-minute  test 
in  3-inch  tubing.  The  Pittsburg  coal  was  struck  at  780  feet  in 
this  well,  and  the  gas  in  the  Gordon,  or  Plat  Run  sand  at 
3,007  feet. 

Mr.  John  Worthington,  of  the  South  Penn  Co.,  believes 
that  the  largest  gas  well  both  in  volume  and  rock  pressure  ever 
discovered  in  West  Virginia  or  any  other  state,  is  the  E.  C. 
Morgan  well  No.  1,  drilled  by  the  South  Penn  Co.,  six  miles 
southwest  from  Mannington,  Marion  county.  The  top  of  the 
gas  sand  in  the  MoT*gan  well  was  struck  at  3,052  feet,  the  Pitts- 
burg coal  having  been  ])assed  at  890  feet,  thus  giving  the  same 
interval  (2,162  feet)  l)elow  the  latter  stratum  as  the  Gordon 
“Stray”  or  Canipbell’s  Run  oil  sand  occupies  on  Campbell’s 
Run,  Marion  county.  Miracle  Run-,  Highland,  and  other  regions 
in  Monongalia  county,  and  hence  this  gas  is  possibly  from  the 
same  horizon  as  the  great  wells  in  Wetzel  county  to  the  west, 
though  the  interval  from  the  Pittsburg  coal  to  the  gas  sand 
is  100  feet  less  in  Wetzel  than  in  the  Morgan  well.  At  about 
three  feet  in  the  sand  at  the  Morgan  well,  or  3,055  feet  from  the 


70 


GEOLOGY  OF  PETROLEUM  AND  NATUKAL  GAS 


surface,  the  gas  was  struck,  and  so  great  was  its  pressure,  that 
the  drilling  tools  weighing  several  thousand  pounds,  were  lifted 
from  the  bottom  of  the  well,  and  blown  above  the  top  of  the 
derrick,  through  6%-inch  casing,  more  than  100  feet  into  the  air, 
according  to  Mr.  Worthington.  The  well  defied  all  the  usual 
methods  of  procedure  in  shutting  in  large  gas  wells,  and  only 
after  three  months  of  uninterrupted  work,  was  it  finally  con- 
quered by  the  ingenuity  of  Messrs.  Edwards  and  Worthington, 
and  the  men  whom  they  directed.  The  3 inch  tubing  could  not 
be  inserted  in  the  6%-iHch  casing  in  the  customary  manner, 
but  required  the  pull  of  ‘M^lock  and  tackle”  to  force  it  into 
the  well.  Then  when  the  proper  depth  (2270  feet)  had  been 
reached,  where  it  was  decided  to  set  the  rubber  packer,  it  would 
not  ‘Hake  hold,”  and  on  withdrawmg  the  tubing  no  nihher  was 
visible,  the  fine  sand  and  pebbles  having  been  blown  by  the  gas 
against  it  with  such  force  as  to  destroy  the  rubber  entirely  and 
blow"  its  material  out  as  dust.  This  occurred  several  times,  until 
Messrs.  Edwards  and  Worthington  decided  to  wrap  the 
“packer”  with  iron  wure  before  inserting  the  same,  which  finally 
proved  successful  and  the  w^ell  was  shut  in.  This  is  the  well 
which  gave  a pressure  of  800  pounds  (the  limit  of  the  gauge) 
almost  instantly,  or  within  two  or  three  seconds,  according  to 
Mr,  Edwards,  ^f^he  well  was  completed  on  the  19th  of  August, 
1893,  and  after  supplying  the  towns  of  Fairmont  and  Grafton, 
25  miles  distant  for  four  years,  still  showed  a rock  pressure  at 

the  w"ell  of  765  pounds,  January  1,  1898,  and  of  550  pounds 

Janimjy  1,  1899.  Its  production  through  the  open  easing  wdien 
first  sti'uck,  must  have  been  enormous,  probably  between  35  and 
40  million  cubic  feet  daily. 

The  greatest  ])ressure  recorded  from  this  same  sand  was 
made  in  the  Nineveh  region  of  Greene  county,  Penna.,  where  a 

gas  well  on  the  Michael  Funk  farm  w^as  shut  in  by  Mr.  Jolin 

Worthington,  and  although  of  comparatively  small  volume,  the 
rock  pressure  finally  surpassed  the  limits  of  the  gauge  (1500 
pounds  to  the  square  inch),  and  did  not  stop  until  it  blew  up 
the  2-inch  pijje  with  wliicih  it  was  shut  in,  probably  developing 
a pressure  of  1600  to  1700  pounds  to  the  square  inch,  since  this 


WEST  VIIIGINIA  GERLOGIOAL  SITIVEY 


7i 


class  of  pipe  is  supposed  to  be  tested  to  2,000  pounds  Indore  it 
leaves  the  factory. 

It  is  quite  probable  that  the  total  roch  pressure  in  these  deep 
sands  {CamphelVs  Run,  Flat  Run,  4th,  5th  and  6th)  of  West 
Virginia  would  exceed  1500  pounds  to  the  square  inch  in  the 
deepest  portions  of  the  field,  if  shut  in  and  packed  down  to  the 
top  of  each  stratum  in  question. 

A curious  fact  was  discovered  at  the  Alonzo  Edwards  well 
No.  1,  near  Wadestown,  Monongalia  county.  West  Va.  This 
well  was  drilled  by  the  Battelle  Oil  Company,  and  considerable 
gas  was  developed  in  the  Gantz  Sand  horizon  at  2770  feet,  as  well 
as  in  the  “ Fifty-Foot^’  Sand  at  2840  feet,  and  a still  larger  flow 
was  found  in  the  5th  or  McDonald  Sand  at  3115  feet,  the  hole 
being  completed  at  3300  feet.  The  Gantz  and  “Fifty-Foot” 
sands  constituted  one  solid,  coarse,  pebbly  rock,  and  in  order  to 
save  all  of  the  gas  flows,  the  well  was  packed  in  the  upper  por- 
tion of  this  pebbly  stratum.  From  the  great  depth  of  the  well, 
it  was  expected  that  the  rock  pressure  would  rise  until  it  ex- 
ceeded 1,500  pounds  to  the  square  inch,  but  when  shut  in  the 
gauge  which  began  to  register  rapidly  at  first,  very  soon  slowed 
up,  and  finally  stopped  at  only  650  pounds.  As  the  pressure  did 
not  rise  sufficiently  rapid  to  correspond  to  the  apparent  volume 
of  the  gas  when  the  gate  valve  was  oj)en,  it  was  concluded  that 
a large  portion  of  the  gas  was  being  forced  into  the  porous  Gantz 
and  “ Fifty -Foot”  beds,  and  stored  therein,  the  650  pounds  rep- 
resenting the  pressure  necessary  to  store  in  the  pores  of  that  rock 
all  the  surplus  gas  produced  from  the  three  horizons  at  that 
pressure.  This  storing  process  could  not  of  course  go  on 
indefinitely,  since  the  new  reservoir  would  require  additional 
pressure  to  force  the  gas  further  and  further  back  into  the  rock, 
and  the  conclusion  was  reached  that  in  time  the  rock  pressure 
of  the  well  would  show  a large  increase,  and  that  the  gas  bcnng 
thus  stored  up  in  natural  reservoirs  would  be  available  for  fntui*e 
consumption.  This  conclusion  was  subsequently  verified.  The 
well  was  shut  in  early  in  1898,  and  not  opened  again  (as  there 
was  no  consumption  for  it)  until  January,  1899,  when  it  was 
opened  up  and  turned  into  a two-inch  gas  line  for  use  in  drilling 


72 


GEOLOGY  OF  FETllOLEUM  AND  NATURAL  GAS 


oil  wells.  Tli(‘  pressure,  thoiigli  not  measured,  i)roved  so  ^reat 
that  the  two-ineh  ])ij)e  was  blown  up  in  several  places,  and  it 
was  found  necessary  to  place  a ‘‘reducing”  arrangement  upon 
the  well. 

Mr.  Glen  T.  Braden,  General  Manager  of  the  South  Penn 
Oil  Co.,  reports  that  he  had  the  same  experience  with  a well  in 
Marion  county,  W.  Va.,  siinilarly  packed  several  hundred  feet 
above  the  gas^  producing  horizon,  and  that  after  the  well  had 
been  shut  in  foi-  80  days,  its  x)ressure  rose  more  rapidly  and 
went  to  a higher  point  when  o])ened  and  again  closed  in,  thus 
demonstrating  that  the  gas  was  being  forced  into  porous  beds 
and  stored  there  in  such  a manner  as  to  be  available  for  future 
use.  These  facts  should  give  a hint  to  the  gas  companies  con- 
cerning a cheap  method  of  storing  gas  wells  not  needed  in  the 
lines,  viz.,  to  connect  the  same  with  partially  exhausted  wells, 
and  thus  i)revent  too  high  pressures  in  the  pipe  lines,  and  at  the 
same  time  preserve  for  useful  work  this  surplus  gas  which  would 
otherwise  be  wasted  into  the  air  from  safety  valves,  etc. 

The  rock  pressures  in  the  Big  Injun  Sand  are  less  than  those 
in  the  Gordon  group,  since  the  top  of  the  Big  Injun  lies  800-900 
feet  above  the  top  of  the  Gordon. 

In  the  Mount  Morris  region  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the 
adjoining  district  of  Monongalia  county.  West  Virginia,  the 
pressure  was  al)out  550  pounds  to  the  square  inch  soon  after  the 
field  was  opened  in  1886,  while  at  Blacksville,  8 miles  west, 
whei'c  the  same  sand  lies  about  100  feet  lower,  the  rock  pressure 
In  the  Big  Injun  was  600  pounds  when  the  first  well  was  drilled. 
At  Mannington  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  gave  a total  of  550  pounds 
at  the  Blackshere  gas  well,  the  lii'st  one  opem'd  to  that  sand, 
while  the  Snoderly  gas  well  in  the  rottsville  conglonieraie  (“Salt 
Sand,”)  400  feet  higher  up  in  the  geological  scale,  stopped  at 
380  ])ounds.  At  Itarrisvilh^  llitchie  county,  the  rock  pressure 
in  the  Big  Injun  sand  was  680  pounds  in  the  hrst  well  drilled  by 
the  Keystone  Co.,  as  ]‘e])orted  by  its  president.  Dr.  D.  H.  Court- 
ney, while  still  higher  pressures  are  reported  for  this  sand  from 
the  western  or  Cairo  region  of  Kitchie  county. 

Mr.  W.  K.  Jacobs,  Superintendent  of  the  CaiiD  Oil  Co., 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


7:1 


Cairo,  W.  Va.,  infoi’ins  1110  that,  wlion  lio  first  carrio  to  tho  Cairo 
region,  (’hh),  the  rock  jyrcssure  in  the  Salt  Sand  gas  wells  was 
about  GOO  ])oun(ls  to  tlu'  s({uare  inch,  and  900  pounds  in  the 
Injun”  sand  below,  thus  gi-eatly  exceeding  the  liighest  pressure's 
observed  foi*  tlie  same  sti*ata  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  state. 

Tlie  rock  jyressure  in  the  ‘‘Salt  S»nd’’  or  Pottsville  series 
seldom  exeeeMls  400-500  pounds,  since  it  comes  200  to  300  feet 
above  the  Big  Injun  horizon.  Pi‘olial)ly  the  largest  gas  well  in 
the  state  at  the  ])resent  time  is  one  owned  by  the  Hope  Natural 
Gas  Co.  on  the  Jacob  McConkey  farm,  Harrison  county,  which, 
according  to  Mr.  Glen  T.  Braden,  shows  a rock  pressure  of  985 
pounds  in  the  Gordon  sand,  and  has  a volume  of  26,000,000 
feet  daily  when  flowing  into  the  air.  This  well  is  shut  in  and  has 
never  been  utilized.  The  greatest  rock  pressure  now  recorded 
anywhere  in  the  state,  according  to  Mr.  Braden,  is  in  Lewis 
county,  where  a pressure  of  1125  pounds  is  shown  by  a well  on 
the  J.  S.  Norris  farm. 

In  a later  chapter  of  this  volume  it  is  hoped  to  present  a 
few  letters  and  statements  from  the  superintendents  of  the 
several  gas  comi)anies  o])(‘rating  in  West  Virginia  with  reference 
to  the  rock  pressure,  and  volume  of  some  of  the  remarkable  gas 
wells  in  different  portions  of  the  stat(\ 

The  very  high  ro(‘,k  pressure  T'ccoT'dc'd  in  Wetzel  and  Tyler 
counties  in  1898  and  1899  is  now  a thing  of  the  past,  since  so 
much  gas  has  been  wash'd  tlu're  through  oil  wells,  and  other 
escapes  tliat  the  gi*(*at  gas  C()m})aiii(‘s,  like  the  Philadelphia,  Hope, 
and  Cariu'gie,  have  found  it  necessaiy  to  install  immense  pump- 
ing stations  in  that  rc'gion  in  orihn*  to  force'  tlu^  gas  through  their 
lines  to  tlui  piancipal  points  of  consumption  as  Pittsburg,  Cleve- 
land, etc.  When  tlu'se  wc'lls  had  a high  rock  pi'cssure,  they  would 
deliver  in  Cleveland  40  million  feet  of  gas  daily,  through  the  180 
miles  of  16-inch  pipe  line  that  connects  the  latter  city  with  the 
West  Virginia  gas  fields. 


74 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Olli  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS. 


Generalized  Section  of  the  Strata  in  West  Virginia,  Showing 
the  Principal  Oil  and  Gas  Horizons. 


In  drilling  for  oil  and  gas  in  West  Virginia  the  operators 
have  penetrated  the  entire  column  of  rocks  from  near  the  top 
of  the  Permo-Carhoniferons  beds  down  to  the  Corniferons  Lime- 
stone, near  the  base  of  the  Devonian,  though  not  all  in  one  region 
of  the  State. 

The  following  generalized  section  of  this  column  of  rocks 
may  be  introduced  here  for  comparison  with  the  names  of  the 
oil  sands,  and  as  showing  the  geological  horizons  of  the  different 
beds  between  the  highest  exposed  sti’ata  in  the  state,  and  the 
bottom  of  the  deepest  borings,  (Corniferons  Limestone).  The 
section  is  supi)ostd  to  start  fi’om  the  top  of  one  of  the  highest 
knobs  along  the  dividing  ridge  separating  the  streams  which  pass 
eastward  through  Monongalia  county  to  the  Monongahela  river, 
from  those  which  pass  westward  through  Wetzel  and  Marshall 
counties  to  the  Ohio  river: 

Dunkard  Series,  or  Permian,  No.  XVI. 


Sandstone,  Shale  and  concealed 160 

Limestone,  Windy  Gap  5 

Shales  and  concealed  with  coaly  blossom  55 

Sandstone,  massive,  Gilmore,  “Efaw,’^  Pethtle,’^ 

etc 30 

Concealed  with  red  shales,  sandstone  and  limestone. 275 
Coal,  Nineveh,  John  Taylor,  exposed  over  both 
Glover’s  Gap  and  Board  Tree  tunnels, 

B.  & 0.  R.  R 1 


Feet, 
to  160 
“ 165 

“ 220 

‘‘  250 

“ 525 


< < 


1 


526 


WEST  VUiGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


75 


Shales  and  sandstone  25 

Limestone,  Nineveh,  (exposed  at  each  end  of  Board 

Tree  tunnel ; B.  & 0.  R.  R 10 

Concealed,  red  shales  and  sandy  beds  40 

Sandstone,  massive.  Fish  creek  25 

Coal,  Dunkard  1 

Shales,  limestone,  and  concealed,  with  a thin 

coal  bed  20 

Sandstone,  massive  20 

Coal,  Jolly  town 2 

Limestone  5 

Concealed,  sandstone,  and  shale,  some  red 135 

Massive  sandstones.  Marietta,  and  shales,  sometimes 

containing  a slaty  coal  and  limestone 100 

Coal,  Washington,  seen  in  hills  around  Manning- 
ton,  Ibne  Grove,  New  Martinsville,  Sistersville, 
West  Union,  Cairo,  Ritchie  Mines,  Spencer, 


etc, 


3'  to  5 


Shales  and  sandstone,  with  often  a thin  limestone 


and  coal  bed 80 

Coal,  Wayneshurg,  0'  to  4 

Shales  and  limestone 10'  to  20 

Sandstone,  Wayneshurg,  ‘‘Bluff,^’  lIiuTy  Up,” 

etc.,  of  the  drillers  60 

Shales,  base  of  Permo-Carhonif erous  10 


M onongahela  Series,  No.  XV. 
Wayneshurg  coal,  mined  at  Cassville,  Monongalia 
Co.,  Fairview,  and  near  Downs  in  Marion  Co., 
and  from  Long  Run  to  near  West  Union  in 


Doddridge  Co 0'  to  8 

Shales  10 


Sandstone,  Gilboy,  cuts  of  B.  & 0.  R.  R.,  just 
east  of  Manuington ; makes  cl  ills  along  Ten 


Mile,  at  Brown’s  Mills,  Harrison  Co 30 

Shales  and  limestones 60 


Sandstone,  Uniontown,  probably  the  “shallow  oil 
sand”  operated  on  the  Carroll  farm,  by  the 


“ 551 

“ 561 

“ 601 
“ 626 
“ 627 

“ 647 

“ 667 

“ 699 

“ 674 

“ 809 

“ 909 


“ 913 

“ 993 

“ 995 

“ 1010 

“ 1070 
“ 1080 


“ 1084 
“ 1094 


“ 1124 
“ 1184 


7G 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS 


Clark  Oil  Co.,  at  Cairo,  Ritchie  Co.,  W.  Va., 

and  the  highest  known  oil  sand  in  the  state  ...  20  “ 1204 

Coal,  Uniontown,  0'  to  4 “ 1206 

Shales,  limestone,  and  limy  shales,  very  green  about 

midway  120  1326 

Sewickley  sancUtone,  sometimes  massive,  but  often 

flaggy,  with  much  limestone  interstratified  ....  30  ‘‘  1356 

Sewickley  coal,  Mapletown’^  of  oil  drillers,  mined 
on  Scott’s  and  Robinson  Runs,  Monongalia  Co., 
and  along  the  Monongahela  river  from  Worth- 
ington in  Marion  Co.,  to  Gray’s  in  Greene  Co.,  i 

Pa.,  being  4 to  6 feet  thick,  but  thinning  away 
to  the  southwest,  as  well  as  to  the  northeast ; re- 
ported as  4 to  6 feet  thick  by  drillers  westward, 
across  Monongalia,  Marion,  Wetzel  and  Mar- 
shall to  the  Ohio  river,  probably  same  as  Meigs 


creek  coal  of  Ohio 4'  to  6 “ 1361 

Shales,  limestone  and  sandstone  56  “ 1417 


Coal,  Redstone,  mined  on  Scott’s  and  Robinson 
runs,  Monongalia  Co. ; also  east  of  Jarvisville 
and  other  points  in  Harrison  Co. ; also  on 
Peck’s  Run,  Upshur  county;  and  Century  Co.’s 
mines,  Barbour  Co. ; sometimes  (once  near  Jar- 
visville, and  once  on  Pedlar’s  Run,  Monongalia 
Co.,)  mistaken  by  drillers  for  the  Pittsburg  coal 


below;  thickness  0'  to  6 “ 1420 

Shales  and  limestone,  or  sandstone 35  ‘‘  1455 


Coal,  nttshurg,  the  great  ‘Gcey”  rock  of  the  Monon- 
galia, Marion,  Harrison,  Doddridge,  Wetzel  and 
Marshall  Co.  oil  and  gas  fields;  mined  around 
Fairmont,  Clarksburg,  Weston,  Buckhannon, 
Troy,  Glenville,  Wheeling,  Moundsville  shaft, 
Hartford,  Spillman,  Raymond  City,  etc.,  etc. ; 
absent  along  the  “Oil  Break”  anticlinal  be- 
tween Burning  Springs  and  Eureka,  and  from 
a large  area  in  Tyler,  Doddridge,  Ritchie,  Gil- 
mer, Pleasants,  Wood,  Wirt,  Jackson,  Roane, 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


77 


Clay,  Calhoun,  and  other  counties  in  the  south- 
western part  of  the  state;  thickness  including 
‘‘roof’'  coals  10  “ 1465 

Conernaugh  Series,  or  Barren  Measures,  No.  XIV. 

Shales,  thin  limestones,  sandstones  and  sandy  beds  . 200  “ 1665 

Sandstone,  Morgantown,  “shallow  oil”  sand  at 
mouth  of  Island  Run,  Ritchie  Co.,  and  at 
Deem’s  Ferry,  below  the  California  House, 
same  county ; also  produced  oil  on  Dunkard 
creek,  Greene  county.  Pa.,  sometimes  called 
Little  Dunkard  sand;  may  be  same  as  First 
Cow  Run  sand,  in  the  Old  Cow  Run  develop- 
ment of  Ohio;  often  pebbly,  quarried  halfway 


up  the  hillsides  at  Morgantown 25  “ 1690 

Elk  Lick  coal,  often  absent  0'  to  4 “ 1692 

Shales,  limestones,  sandstone  and  red  beds 50  “ 1742 

Green  Crinoidal  Limestone,  Ames 0'  to  2 “ 1743 

Coal,  Friendsville,  mined  at  Burning  Springs,  Wirt 

Co 0'  to  2 “ 1744 

Red  shales,  bad  ^‘cave”  and  ‘‘Big  red”  of  the 

oil  drillers 50  “ 1794 

Blue  and  red  shales  and  sandy  limy  beds,  also 

“caving”  at  times 170  “ 1964 

Mahoning  Sandstone,  Dunkard  Oil  Sand,  often 


called  the  “Cow  Run”  Sand  by  the  oil  well 
drillers;  croi)s  out  in  great  dill's  between 
Petroleum  and  Volcano,  B.  & 0.  R.  R.,  also  | 

near  California  House,  on  South  Fork  of 
Hughes  river,  and  at  the  Eureka  Pumping  sta-  J 

tion  and  other  points  along  the  Monongahela  , 

between  Morgantown  and  Little  Falls;  some- 
times double  with  a shale  intervening;  an  im- 
portant oil  horizon  at  Burning  Springs,  and 
in  Wood,  Wirt,  Pleasants,  ard  Tyler  counties; 
also  near  Moundsville  in  Marshall  Co. ; thick- 
ness   50'  to  150  “ 2064 


78 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS 


Allegheny  River  Coal  Series,  No.  XIII . 

Upper  Freeport  Coal,  mined  at  Austen  and  Tunnel- 

ton  on  B.  & O.  R.  R 0'  to  8 “ 2068 

Limestone  and  Shales 20  “ 2088 

Freeport  Sandstones,  one  of  the  “gas  sands”  of 

the  drillers;  produced  some  oil  at  Fairview,  .| 

Marion  Co.,  W.  Va.,  in  P.  W.  Yost  well  No.  1, 
and  is  probably  the  2nd  ^‘Cow  Run”  sand  of 


the  old  Cow  Run  development  of  Ohio 130  “ 2218 

Shales,  with  Upper,  Middle  ayid  Lower  Kittanning 

coal  beds  50  “ 2268 

Fire  clays,  shales,  sandy  beds,  and  sometimes  a 

limestone,  {Ferriferous,)  near  center 60  “ 2328 


Potlsville  Conglomerate,  No.  XII. 

The  Salt  Sand’^  of  the  drillers  in  West  Va.,  con- 
sisting of  three  to  four  members,  separated  by  j 

shales,  and  sometimes  containing  thin  coal  I 

beds;  the  New  River  and  Pocahontas  coals  be- 
long  in  these  rocks ; important  oil  and  gas  hori- 
zons at  Burning  Springs,  Volcano,  Steer  creek, 
and  other  regions  of  the  state ; one  of  the  upper 
members  of  this  group  also  called  the  “gas 

sand”  by  drillers;  thiclmess 200  “ 2528 

Mauch  Chnnh  Red  Shales,  No.  XI. 

Lower  Carboniferous. 

A series  of  red  shales,  green  sandstones,  and  im-  i 

pure  limy  beds,  holding  the  Maxton  oil  sand  i 

in  its  middle,  an  important  oil  and  gas  horizon  ' 

in  Tyler,  Pleasants,  and  Ritchie  counties,  and  o 

possibly  identical  with  the  Cairo  sand  of  the  i 

latter  county;  a dark  slate  near  base  caves 
badly  in  long  splinters,  hence  its  name  of 
“pencil  cave”;  the  red  shale  thins  away 
entirely  westward  in  Ritchie,  Tyler,  Pleasants, 

Wood,  Wirt,  and  all  the  counties  along  or  near 
the  Ohio  river,  thus  letting  the  Pottsville  beds 
above  rest  immediately  upon  the  Mountain  or  i 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


79 


“Big  Linie’^  below;  thickness 0'  to  300  “ 2678 

Mountain  or  Greenbrier  Limestone,  the  “Big  Lime^’ 
of  the  drillers;  another  “key’’  rock  for  the 
petroleum  seekers,  and  almost  always  x>i’esent; 
thickens  southward  to  1400  feet  in  Greenbrier,  ..  - 

Summers,  etc.,  on  the  southwestern  boundary  • 

of  the  State;  supposed  to  hold  oil,  in  south-  I 

eastern  Ohio,  and  in  the  Milton  field  of  Cabell 
Co.,  W.  Va.,  but  that  may  be  a limy  portion 
of  the  “Keener”  sand;  thickness  in  the  oil 

regions  80'  to  100  “ 2768 

Pocono  Sandstone,  No.  X. 

“Big  Injun”  Oil  Sand. 

Top  member  of  this  series,  the  “Big  Injun”  oil 
sand  of  the  drillers,  a hard  and  often  fine- 
grained  gray  sandstone,  with  usually  two,  and  i 

occasionally,  three  or  four  open,  coarse,  and 
porous,  sometimes  pebbly  layers,  filled  with  oil, 
gas,  or  salt  water,  called  “pay”  streaks  by  the 
drillers;  in  Monongalia,  Marion  and  eastern 
Wetzel  counties  often  unbroken  by  slate  from 
top  to  bottom,  and  usually  140  to  150  feet  thick, 
with  a gas  “pay”  at  15  to  20  feet  in  the  rock; 
the  1st  oil  “pay”  at  60  to  75  feet;  the  2nd  or  i 

main  one  at  80  to  90  feet;  and  often  a 3rd,  at  | 

100  to  110  feet  below  the  top  of  the  sand.  In 
Tyler,  Pleasants,  Ritchie,  and  other  counties, 
the  uppermost  20  to  30  feet  of  the  “Big  Injun” 
of  Monongalia,  Marion  and  Wetzel,  usually 
separated  from  the  main  body  of  the  rock  by 
from  5 to  15  feet  of  dark  slate,  is  then  called  the 
“Keener  Sand,”  and  becomes  an  important  oil 
and  gas  zone  in  the  counties  mentioned, 
though  in  Monongalia,  Marion  and  eastern 
Wetzel  nothing  but  gas  has  ever  been  found  at 

1 this  horizon,  the  main  body  of  the  “Big  Injun” 
oil  of  these  counties  occurring  at  75  to  90  feet 


m 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS 


below  the  top  of  the  sand;  entire  thickness  of 
^‘Big  Injun”  including  “Keener”  sand 
140'  to  150 


Dark  sandy  shales 20'  to  40 

“Squaw”  sand  of  drillers 20'  to  30 


Shales  and  sandy  beds,  holding  near  the  middle  of 
the  interval,  and  about  1750  feet  below  the 
Pittsburg  coal,  the  Berea  Grit,  a productive  oil 
and  gas  sand,  25  to  30  feet  thick,  in  Pleasants, 
Wood,  Wirt,  Ritchie,  Calhoun,  Brooke,  Han- 
cock, and  Cabell  counties,  possibly  identical 
with  the  Gantz  Sand;  thickness  of  entire 

interval  380 

Gatshill,  No.  IX,  Top  of  Devonian  Beds. 
Black  and  red  shale  beds  of  the  uppermost  De- 
vonian   20 

Gantz  and  “Fifty-Foot”  Sands;  in  Monongalia 
and  Marion  often  a coarse,  pebl)]y  solid  body  of 
rock  without  a break  for  90  feet  or  more  (the 
“Second  Sand”  or  “Hundred  Foot”  of  Butler 
Co.,  Pa.,)  having  a gas  “pay”  at  10  to  20  feet 
from  top  {Gantz  sand),  and  another  30  to  50 
feet  lower  (‘"Fifty-Foot”)  ; has  produced  some 
oil  southwest  from  Mannington,  IMarion  Co., 
and  a small  (quantity  in  the  Cynthia.  Kent  Well 
No.  1 of  the  South  Penn  Oil  Co.,  in  Battel le  dis- 
trict, near  Cross  Roads,  Monongalia  county,  at 
1945  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal  bed.  In  the 
Fink  or  Vadis  field  of  Lewis  county,  several 
small  wells  have  been  discovered  in  this  sand 
along  with  salt  water  as  in  Butler  Co.,  Pa.  It 
has  also  proven  productive  in  western  Harri- 
son, on  the  Haymond  and  other  farms.  Thick- 
ness   50'  to  100  ‘ 

Red  and  Blue  shales,  sandy  beds,  and  a well  de- 
fined sand  near  center  known  to  drillers  under 
the  name  “ Thirty -Foot,”  which  has  produced 


“ 2913 
“ 2943 
“ 2968 

“ 3348 

“ 3368 


‘ 3443 


WEST  VIKGTNTA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


81 


hut  110  oil  yet  ho  far  as  known  . in  West 
Virfrinia.  Tlie  red  and  blue  shales  ‘‘cave”  in 
th('  deep  drilling/  of  Monongalia,  Marion  and 
eastern  Wetzel,  and  must  be  cased  off  with  a 
“liner”  before  drilling  into  the  oil  or  ^as  bear- 
ing sands  Ixdow ; thickness 180'  to  200  ‘ ‘ 3688 

Shrnj  Sand,  great  gas  horizon  of  Wetzel,  and  other 
counties,  also  frequently  oil  bearing,  usually 
separated  from  the  underlying  sand  by  10  to 

20  feet  of  slate;  thickness 20'  to  40  “ 8663 

Campbell'S  Run  Oil  Sand,  of  Marion  and  Monon- 
galia, probaliiy  called  the  Gordon  Strap,”  in 
the  Flat  Run  held  to  the  east,  where  it  is  gas 
bearing ; a splendid  oil  producer  of  flowing  ' 
wells  in  western  Marion,  Monongalia  Wetzel 
and  Marshall  counties;  probably  the  true  “Gor- 
don” sand,  of  Washington  county.  Pa.;  thick- 
ness   20'  to  40  “ 8698 

Dark  slate  and  sajidy  shales 20'  to  40  “ 3728 

“Gordon  Sand,”  of  the  drillers.  Flat  Run  Sand, 
the  deej)  ])ro(iucing  sand  at  Flat  Run,  Manning- 
ton,  and  Whetstone,  in  Marion  to  the  south- 
west, and  at  the  ilighlaud,  Harvey,  ITaught 
and  V/alker  regions  to  the  northeast  in  Mon- 
ongalia, and  at  the  Fddy  and  Wise  farms 
near  Dross  Roads  on  the  CampbelFs  run  oil  belt 
ill  Monongalia,  'idle  largest  oil  wells  in  the 
state,  and  the  most  iiroductive  have  been  found 
in  this  sand,  which  is  probably  the  dth  Sand 
just  below  th(‘  Gordon,  of  Washington  county. 

Pa.;  thickness 20'  to  80  “ 8748 

Dark  shales,  or  sandy  beds 80'  to  50  “ 8788 

McDonald,  or  Fifth  Oil  Sand,  of  the  Washington 
and  Allegheny  county  group,  of  Pennsylvania; 
the  oil  sand  at  Wolf  Summit  and  Jarvisville, 

Harrison  Co.,  and  the  gas  rock  around  Weston, 

Clarksburg  and  other  points;  showing  a little 


82 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS 


oil  on  the  Summers  farm,  Lewis  county;  pro- 
duces gas  on  Edwards  farm  near  Wadestown, 
Monongalia  Co.,  and  on  Brown  farm,  Dunkard 
creek,  near  Worley  P.  0. ; thickness  ...  .2'  to  40 

Shales  60'  to  80 

Bayard,  Sixth  Sand,  produces  gas  on  Core,  Wright, 
McCord,  and  other  farms  near  Mooresville, . 
Monongalia  Co.,  small  oil  wells,  5 to  10  barrels, 
on  the  Blair,  Shriver  and  other  farms  near 
Worley  P.  0.,  on  Dunkard  creek  along  the  West 
Virginia  and  Pennsylvania  line  and  is  the 
splendid  producing  sand  recently  found  in  the 
region  of  Fairview,  Marion  county,  at  2410 
feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal.  It  is  also  the 
deep  gas  sand  northeast  of  Downs ; basal  mem- 
ber of  Catskill  beds ; thickness 5'  to  25  ' 

Chemung  and  Hamilton  Beds,  No.  VIII. 

Gray  and  dark  shales  with  an  occasional  shell,  or 
thin,  hard,  fine-grained  sandy  bed,  containing 
two  or  more  gas  horizons  along  the  line  between 
Greene  and  Washington  counties.  Pa.,  in  the 
upper  half  of  these  deposits,  the  Speechley, 
Bradford,  Punxsutawmey  and  other  sand 
horizons  of  Pennsylvania ; penetrated  2000  feet 
in  the  Boggs  Run,  Wheeling,  deep  well,  and  in 
the  Forest  Oil  Co.'s  deep  welL  on  the  Wm. 

Bedell  farm,  near  West  Elizabeth,  Pennsyl- 
vania, they  were  penetrated  3288  feet  below  the 
Sixth  or  Bayard  Sand,  and  5705  feet  below  the 
Piitshurg  coal,  without  reaching  the  Cornif- 
erous  Limestone ; but  in  the  Central  City  deep 
well,  on  Four  Pole,  near  Huntington,  at  the 
southwest  corner  of  the  state,  the  Corniferous 
Limestone  was  struck  at  2760  feet  or  only  3100 
feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal  bed,  and  but  2130 
feet  below  the  top  of  the  ‘^Mountain”  lime- 
stone, while  the  Bedell  well  near  Elizabeth 


3809 
3879 


‘ 3894 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  S3 

pnssed  4530  foot  below  the  sfiine  limestone 
horizon,  stoi)piu^  in  tlie  Jlamilton  rIuiIcs,  prob- 
ably not  more  than  100  feet  above  the  Cornif- 
erous  beds,  thus  giving  a thinning  away  be- 
tween Elizabeth  and  Huntington  of  2705  feet  as 
measured  from  the  Pittsburg  coal,  or  2500  feet 
if  measured  from  the  top  of  the  Mountain 
Limestone.  The  bottom  of  the  lowest  sand 
struck  in  the  Central  City  well,  lies  849  feet 
above  the  Corniferous  Limestone,  while  if  we 
estimate  this  limestone  at  100  feet  below  the 
bottom  of  the  Elizabeth  well,  it  would  there 
lie  3385  feet  below  the  Sixth  or  deepest  oil 
sand,  which  gives  a difference  of  2,536  feet  be- 
tween the  Elizabeth  and  Huntington  wells,  due 
to  thinning  of  the  Chemung  and  Hamilton  beds, 
or  practically  the  same  as  that  obtained  (2705' 
and  2500')  when  we  take  the  Pittsburg  coal  oi 
Mountain  limestone  as  datum  planes,  so  that  the 
v;estward  thinning  is  thus  shown  to  be  con 
fined  practically  to  the  Chemung-Hamiltor 
series.  A mean  of  the  two  measurements  ol 
these  formations  would  give  (849'4-3385')-{-2= 

2117'  for  the  thickness  of  these  beds  at  the  longi 
tude  of  say,  Parkersburg,  but  adding  the  ful 
Elizabeth  tliickness  for  the  Monongalia  anc 
Marion  county  region  gives  the  following  total 
from  the  top  of  the  Permo-Carboniferous  to  the 

Corniferous  limestone 3385'-f 3894'=7279' 

Mr.  E.  H.  Oliphant  has  published  a table  of  the  succession 
of  oil  and  gas  sands  or  horizons  in  his  r'eport  for  1902  on  Natural 
Cas,  pages  14  and  15,  in  which  the  interval  of  each  sand  below 
the  Pitsburg  coal  is  given  for  the  Ai){)alachian  district.  This 
table  which  is  Of  much  interest,  and  is  the  result  of  much  com- 
parative study  by  Mr.  Oliphant,  reads  as  follows: 


84 


, OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOEDS 


Procluetivs  ruitriral-gas  horVxuna . 


Grcological 

eciiii  valent. 

[ 

1 

Natural-KHS  horizons.  j 

1 

Locality  where  productive. 

Approx 
imaie  de’h 
bTw  Pittsi- 
burg  coal. 

Concrnauah  or  liar- 

1 

Pittsburg  sand,  capning 

W est  irginia 

Feet. 

0 

rcn  measures  XIV. 

Pittsburg  coal- 1 

Connell sville  sand ..j 

do 

40 

Morgantown  sand 1 

80 

“liurrv  up  sand” 

Southwest  Pennsylvania  and 

325 

1 

Mahoning  or  Dunkard  sand-.j 

West  Virginia. 

...  do..  .. 

485 

Alleg’hejiy  or  Loat- 

Lower  Freeport  or  second' 

Southeast  Ghio,  southwes^ 

030 

er  productive  XIIl 

CoAv*  Run  sand.  j 

Pennsylvania  and  West  Vir 

1 

Ferriferous  limestone ! 

ginia. 

Not  productiA'e 

800 

Pottsville  XII 

Tionesta,  Homewood,  oriSoutheast  Ohio,  southwest 

020 

Johnson  Run  sand 1 

Upper  Conoquenessing  or  up-! 

Pennsylvania  and  WestVir- 
ginia/ 

do 

070 

per  salt  sand 

Lower  Conoiiuenessing  or 

do 

1,050 

middle  salt  sand.  j 

Sharon  Conglomerate,  Glean  Kansas  and  Indian  Territory, 

1,130 

Maucli  Chunk  Xl-__ 

loAver  salt  or  Maxon  sand. 

Mountain  limestone 

Keener  sand,  sandy  iimesto’e 

southeast  Ghio.  southwest 
Pennsylvania,  West  Virgin- 
ia and  Eastern  Kentucky. 

Not  productive 

Southeastern  Ghio  and  West 

1,225 

1,34^ 

Pocono  X 

Big  Injun,  or  Sub  Glean  sand 

Virginia. 

West  Virginia,  southwestern 

1,375 

t 

1 

! Squaw  sand  

Pennsylvania,  southeastern 
Ohio,aud  eastern  Kentucky 

1,405 

1,535 

Catskili  IX  or  Upper 

'upi)er  gas  sand.. 

- 

Southwestern  Peiuisylvania. 

Devonian. 

i 

j Berea  or  Butler  County  gas 

Southwestern  Pennsylvania, 

1,730 

' sand. 

; 

■ Gevonian  or  Ohio  shales 

West  Virginia,  Ghio  and 
Kentucky. 

Western  N.  York,  northwest- 

1,700 

i 

! 

; First  sand  or  Gantz  (100-foot 

ern  Penasylvania,northeas- 
tern  Ghio,  western  K’tucky 
and  southern  Indiana. 

Western  Pennsylvania,  West 

1,850 

; sand.) 

.')0-foot  sand 

Virginia  and  southAvestern 
Ghio. 

Western  Pennsylvania  and 

1,905 

jSecond  or  00-foot  sand 

West  Vlrginlfi, 

.do 

2,010 

2,070 

Gray,  Stray,  or  Bowlder  sand 

do 

Thi)-d  or  Gordoii  sand... 

Western  Pennsylvania,  West 
Virginia,  and  soiithcastern 
Ghio. 

Western  Pennsyhania  and 

2,130 

Stray  third  sand 

2,115 

Fourth  fsand 

West  Virginia. 
Southwestern  Pennsjdvania 

2,200 

and  West  Virginia. 

. 

Fifth  sand 

do 

2,260 

Bayard  sand 

SoAith western  Pennsylvania 

2,420 

j and  north<'rn  W.  Vurginia. 

WEST  VIHGINIA  (>EOJA)GICAri  SUllVEY 


85 


/YiJduetUxf  ivitural-gda  (Jontiuuo.l. 


(Jcological 

eciiiivalont. 


Natural-ffiis  horizons. 


Locality  whore  productive. 


Catskill  IX  or  Upper 
Devoiilau. 


Elizabeth  or  sixth  sand. 


.•Southwestern  Pennsylvania 
and  northern  "W est  Virg-inia 


Lower  Devonian  VIII 


Warren  flrst  sand 

Warren  second  sand 

Clarendon  or  Tiona  sand 

Speechley  sand 

Balltown  or  Cherry  Grove  s’d 


Northwestern  Pennsylvania. 

do 

do--. 

do 


Northwestern  Pennsylvania 
and  western  New  York. 


Silurian 


Sheffield  or  Cooper  sand 

Bradford  '.or  Deer  Lick  sand. 

Elk  sand  ( r Waugh  and  Por- 
ter sand. 

Kane  sand. 

Black  shaivs  oottomof  Devo- 
ni*n. 

Hamilton  iiinestone 

Corniferous 

Oriskany  sand 

Guelph  limestone 


....do 

do. 

....do 

do 

Noi’thwestern  Kentucky  and 
Southern  Indiana. 

Southwestern  Ontario,  Can.. 

New  York  and  southwestern 
Ontario,  Canada. 

Southern  Indiana,  southern 
Ontario,  centrtil  New  York 

Southern  Ontario,  western 
New  York, 


Niagara  limestone... 
Clinton  limestone.. 


Southern  Ontiu-'h),  western 
New  York  and  Indiana. 

|soutluaist'^-"n  and  cont’l  Ohio 
and  southeastern  Ontario. 


Carnbro-Siluriau 


Medina  red  sand 'Sor.t  : ■ rn  Ontario,  west- 

I ei'n  Nh;W  York,  and  Ohio. 

Medina  upper  white  sand nouthe.‘;Str>r7i  Ontario  and 

I western  New  York. 

'iMedina  white  sand .'C;>ntral  Nerv  York.. 


Trenton  iimestono, 
j portion. 

Trenton  limestone, 
portion. 


upper  :)hio.  Indiana  and  Kentuck> 


lower 


S'.ejtheasterri  and  central  On- 
tario •:*.nd  northern  central 
New.  York. 


Calclferous  aud  Potsdam  sa’d  Southeastern  Ontario  and 
; central  New  York. 


Cambrian. 


Quebec  group,  s’da  and  shales]  Alabama. Geoi'gia  and  north- 
western Newfoundland. 


Approxi- 
rna.’e  de’b 
l)cl’w  ' IttS- 
i)urg-  coal. 


Feet. 

2,590 

2.700 
2,S15 
2,935 
3,100 
3,300 

8,415 

8,525 

3,750 

3.925 

5,325 

5,330 

5,(525 

5,660 

5.700 
5,820 
5,985 
6,085 
6,185 

6,2-10 

8.700 

9,225 


8G 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EllCOKDS 


'J'hese  tables  are,  of  course,  only  approximately  correct  for 
all  of  the  intervals  below  the  Corniferons  limestone,  and  for 
those  above,  would  hold  good  only  in  Western  Pennsylvania 
and  the  adjoining  portion  of  West  Virginia. 

The  foregoing  general  section  will  serve  to  show  the  rela- 
tions of  the  oil  sands  to  the  coal  beds  and  other  strata  which  crop 
to  the  surface  in  the  different  regions  of  the  state.  We  shall 
now  give  a series  of  well  records,  beginning  the  list  with  some 
very  deep  borings  made  in  the  neighboring  state  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. 

The  only  well  in  the  oil  regions  of  Pennsylvania  that  has 
ever  been  drilled  through  the  Devonian  shales  and  into  the 
Corniferous  limestone  is  one  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Allegheny 
river,  8 miles  south  from  Franklin,,  Venango  county,  and  is 
known  as  the  Conway  well,  since  it  was  drilled  by  the  Conway 
Brothers  of  Philadelphia.  It  is  located  on  the  old  Witherop 
farm,  and  the  top  of  the  well  is  955  feet  above  tide,  according 
to  the  late  Mr.  John  F.  Carll,  who  gives  the  following  record 
in  Report  1-5,  Second  Geological  Survey  of  Pennsylvania,  page 
185: 

Conway  Deep  Well. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Drive  pipe  48  to  48 

‘/Usual  drilling” : 224  “ 272 

SS.,  First  sand  68  “ 340 

“Usual  drilling”  (cased  at  342) 108  “ 448 

SS.  Stray  second  (salt  water  & gas)  . . 20  “ 468 

Shale  15  “ 483 

SS.  Second  sand,  blue  and  shelly  ....  20  “ 503 

Shale  87  “ 590 

SS.  Third  sand,  no  oil 5 “ 595 

Shale,  blue,  thin  streak  of  red 750  “ 1345 

Gritty,  shelly  formation  estimated  ...  25  “ 1370 

Shale,  blue  1180  “ 2550 

Shale  red  (some  red  shale  2550)  say.  .10  “ 2560 

Shale,  blue  155  “ 2715 

Shale,  black  (smell  of  oil)  say 50  “ 2765 


WEST  VIKGIMIA  GEOLOGK^AL  SUKVEY 


87 


Sliulo,  blue ‘"easy  drilling'” 235  ‘‘  3000  ■>: 

Sliale,  black ‘M, hill”  (April,  1887)  ..  15  “ 3015 

Shale  and  slate  (October,  1888)  ....432  ‘‘  3447 

Slate,  black  and  occasional  shells  . . . .233  3680 

Slate,  brown,  muddy  (smell  of  oil)  ..  15  “ 3695 

Slate,  black .' 27  3722 

Slate,  white 60  3782 

Slate,  black,  some  shells 50  ‘‘  3832 

Slate,  white 18  “ 3850 

Slate,  brown,  muddy  . 10  “ 3860 

Slate,  black,  sand  10  “ 3870 

Limestone,  brown,  ‘ ' Cornif erous  ”...  10  ‘ ‘ 3880 


The  Venango  Oil  Sand  Group”  of  Carll  is  seen  at  the  top 
of  the  foregoing  record,  beginning  at  272  feet  and  ending  with 
the  Third  or  Fourth  sand  at  595,  the  whole  being  323  feet  thick, 
and  corresponding  to  the  measures  in  West  Virginia  between 
the  top  of  the  Gantz  sand  and  the  bottom  of  the  Gordon.  The 
top  member  of  the  Venango  oil  sand  group  lies  about  1800  feet 
below  the  Fittshurg  coal  horizon  in  this  region  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  if  we  add  that  interval  to  the  record,  it  gives  a measure  of 
(3870'-f  1528')=5398'  for  the  thickness  of  strata  between  the 
Fittshurg  coal  and  the  Cornif  erous  limestone  in  the  vicinity  of 
Franklin.  In  the  Wheatland  deep  well,  just  below  Sharon, 
Mercer  county,  and  about  40  miles  west  from  Franklin,  this  same 
interval  foots  up  only  4777  feet,  or  621  feet  less,  while  in  the 
Wm.  Bedell  well,  12  miles  southeast  of  Pittsburg,  and  75  miles  S. 
southeast  from  Sharon,  the  drill  had  not  yet  encountered  the 
Cornif  erous  Limestone  at  a dejVh  of  5,705  feet  below  the  Pitts- 
burg coal,  thus  showing  an  increase  in  thickness  of  the  De- 
vonian beds  southward  gs  well  as  eastward. 

The  late  John  F.  Carll,  when  in  charge  of  the  oil  region 
work  for  the  Second  Geological  Survey  of  Pennsylvania,  had 
several  records  kept  with  gr(\‘it  care  in  the  central  portion  of  the 
Butler  county  oil  field,  and  the  same  were  published  in  his  Re- 
port 1-3,  pages  194  et  seq.  A few  of  these  standard  records  will 
prove  useful  for  comparison  with  the  West  Virginia  oil  sand 
^serjej,  and  are  here  given  for  that  purpose  as  follows : 


88 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS 


Sutton  Well  No.  4. 

On  P.  Sutton  farm,  Fairview  townslii]),  Butler  county,  Pa., 
about  two  and  one-fourth  miles  south  70°  west  of  Petrolia.  Well 
mouth  above  ocean  in  feet  1436. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Coiidnctor  0 to  6 

Slate,  alternatiiii!:  v/itli  sand  shells,  bluish.  .133  142 

SS.  dark  gray  .^. 24  16G 

Slate  and  shale  6 “ 172 

Coal,  ‘^CoaP’  1 173 

Slate  and  shale,  dark  g']*ay 49  “ 222 

Limestone,  Limestone”  222 

Slate,  dark  gray  34  “ 256 

SS.,  gray  16  272 

Slate,  shale  and  sandy  shells,  dark 125  397 

Limestone,  ^‘Ferrif.  Limestone”  ...20  417 

Slate  and  sand  shells  with  some  iron 

pyrites  and  trace  of  coal,  dark 32  449 

SS.,  ^‘00-Foot  Rock”  top  white,  bottom .... 

black  43  492 

Slate  and  shale,  bluish  gray,  bottom  black  .45  537 

SS.,  grayish  white,  ^‘20'  Rock”  IS  555 

Slate  and  shale,  shelly,  dark 52  607 

SS.,  white  30'  ] “ Mountain  Sand” 

SS.,  gray  20'  | (“Big  Injun”) 

SS.,  white  and  soft  50'  183  790 

SS.,  white  and  close  40'  I 

SS.,  white  and  soft  43'  J 

Slate,  shale  and  sand  shells,  dark  on  top, 

black  on  bottom  145  935 

SS.,  hard  and  white 5 ‘‘  940 

Slate,  clean,  blnisli-gray  30  ‘‘  970 

SS.,  shaly,  gray  20  990 

Shale,  slaty,  bluish-gray,  with  a gas  vein 
at  1190'  in  a thin  shell  of  fine 

bluish  SS 260  1250 

Shale,  sandy  with  a few  yellow  pebbles, 

bluish  52  ''  1302 

Slate,  shaly,  purplish  34  1336 

SS.,  pebbly  3'  ^ 

SS.,  gray  9'  J (Gantz) 

SS.,  slaty  mixture  12'  j “Second  Sand” 

SS.,  gray  and  fine  12' J 36  “ 1372 

Slate  and  shale,  dark 38  “ 1410 

SS.,  uniform,  hard,  white,  “50'  Rock”  ....  22  “ 1432 

Slate,  blue  28  “ 1460 


SS.,  homogeneous,  fine,  white,  “30'  Rock”  .42  “ 1502 


WEST  VIIUIINIA  (JEiiLOarCAii  S'l’KAEV 


Hi) 


Slalc,  slu'lly,  bliio  : S 1510 

SS.,  yc'llowisli-yrny,  lino,  I)()\vl(loi’” 14  “ 1524 

Slate,  blue  b 1530 

55.,  i;rav,  Stray  Tliird’^  10  J-540 

55.,  i)el)bly  

55.,  wbite'  Sand” 20  15C0 

SS.,  i>i’av  and  bard .... 

Slate,  slialy.  dark  blue 40  1000 

SS.,  dark,  “cloveryeed”  })ebble,  ^‘Fourth 

Sand”  25  1031 

SS.,  iine  white  (not  tlirougli) .... 

SS.,  yood  white  pebble  .... 

Drilled  dry.  Cased  at  043'.  A very  little  salt  water  below 


the  easing. 

Cas  at  1100',  half  sufficient  to  lire  the  boiler  with  while  drill- 
ing, but  this  gas  wais  exhausted  in  three  or  four  days.  About  the 
same  amount  of  gas  was  found  in  the  ‘‘Second  sand.”  Very  little 
oil  in  the  “Third  sand.”  The  hole  filled  up  300'  or  400'  with  oil 
fi'oin  the  to])  of  the  “Fourth  sand,”  and  flowed  when  drilled  a 
fe'w  feet  deeper.  No  Eed  Rock  found  in  drilling.  Best  daily 
l)roduction,  40  barrels. 

Doufjhcrli)  Well  No.  2. 

Situated  on  the  MeCleary  farm,  Fairview  townshi]),  Butler 
county,  Ba.,  about  one  mile  south  80°  west  of  Petrol ia,  and  one 
and  a ({uailer  miles  north  00°  cast  from  Sutton  well  No.  4. 


iMouth  of  well  1,327  feet  above  ocean. 

Conductor  10  to  10 

55.. ,  surface  yellow 5 ‘‘  15 

Slate,  bluish  55  “ 70 

lamestoue,  thickness  unknovv’ii  ^^Ijiine- 

slone”  “ 70 

Slab',  sa.ndy,  to])  blue,  botloin  gray  and 

innddy  85  “ 155 

55.,  gray  51  200 

Coal,  slaty,  “Coal”  3 “ 200 

Saiid  shells,  hard  and  blue,  10  “ 210 

Slate,  dark  21  “ 240 

Limestone  “Fei'ril‘ei-ous  Liniestoiie” 20  200 

Slate,  soft,  dark  20  “ 280 

55.,  ^‘()0'  Rock,”  gritly,  wliile 80  “ 3{)0 

Slate,  very  <lark  30  300 

Shale,  sandy,  dark  gray  50  440 

55.,  bal’d,  white,  with  layers  of  black  slate 

“20'  Rock”  24  404 


90 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS 


Slate,  black  8 472 

SS.,  soft  and  gray  on  top,  hard  and  white 

on  bottom  83  555 

Slate,  dark,  with  gi’ay  sand  shells  27  “ 582 

SS.,  top  fine  yellow,  bottom  soft  and  gray, 

^‘Mountain  Sand^’  (Big  Injun)  93  “ G75 

Slate,  shelly,  bluish  17  ‘‘  692 

Slate  and  gray  sand  shells  108  “ 800 

Slate,  bluish  125  “ 925 

Sand  shells,  gray  15  940 

Slate,  bluish  100  1040 

Slate,  purplish  80  1120 

Slate,  bluish  58  1178 

SS.,  hard  and  bluish-gray  12'  \ Second  sand  ’ ’ 

SS.,  olive  and  gvay  20'  ( and  ’’50' rock” 

SS.,  slaty  45'  ( 87  ‘‘  1265 

SS.,  fine  gi’ay  10'  ' (Hundred  Foot) 

Red  rock  1 1266 

Sand  shells  and  slate  ‘MO'  Rock” 48  “ 1314 

SS.,  hard  and  white  on  top,  yellowish-gray 

on  bottom,  “Blue  Monday”  16  “ 1330 

Red  rock,  “Big  Red  Rock” 12  “ 1342 

Slate,  bluish  21  “ 1363 

SS.,  very  fine  and  light  gray  “Bowlder”  . . 10  “ 1373 

Slate,  dark  12  “ 1385 

SS.,  fine,  white,  “Stray  Third” 27  “ 1412 

Slate,  dark  8 “ 1420 


SS.,  (about  through)  pebbly  and  white  on 

top,  fine  and  yellowish-gTa^^  at  bottom  16  “ 1436 

Drilled  dry.  Cased  the  first  time  at  478'.  Flood  of  salt 
water  at  570'.  Casing  pulled  and  put  in  the  second  time  to  a 
depth  of  610',  and  found  no  water  below  this  depth.  A small 


amount  of  gas  in  the  “Second  sand.” 


Oil  in  the  “Third  sand” 


at  1,423'.  Average  daily  production,  15  barrels. 


Evans  Well  No.  21. 


On  tlie  Dougherty  farm,  Fairview  township,  Butler  county. 
Pa.,  about  four-fifths  of  a mile  south  40°  west  of  Petrolia,  and 
about  three-fourths  of  a mile  south  40°  east  of  the  Dougherty 
well,  No.  2.  AVell  mouth  above  ocean,  1,393  feet. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  18  to  18 

Slate  and  shale  with  })luish-gray  shells  . . . .162  “ 180 

Limestone,  thickness  unknown,  “Lime- 
stone ” “ 180 

SS.,  very  fine,  dark  45  “ 225 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


Slu'lly  shale,  ^ray  

(^)ai;  ^‘(\)ar’  ./ 1 ‘290 

SS.,  very  iiiiiddy,  fine,  gray  4 294 

Slate  and  shells,  gray,  muddy 43  337 

Limestone,  ‘‘Ferriferous  Limestone’’ 21  “ 35<S 

Slate,  very  dark  IS  *176 

Coal,  “Coal”  4 “ 380 

Slate,  very  dark  6 “ 38G 

SS.,  top  g]’ay  and  close,  bottom  fine  and 

dark, "“GO'  Rock”  GG  “ 452 

Slate,  dark  44  “ 49G 

Slate,  with  dark  sand  shells  50  “ 546 

SS.,  gray  5 “ 551 

Slate,  sandy,  dark  35  “ 586 

SS.,  white,  with  trace  of  coal  2 “ 588 

Slate,  sandy,  dark  9 “ 597 

SS.,  gray,  occasional  partings  of  dark  slate, 

(“Big  Injun”)  “Mountain  Sand”  ..148  “ 745 

Slate,  fawn-color  and  bluish  20  “ 765 

Sand  shells,  gray,  with  partings  of  slate 

and  shale  80  “ 845 

SS.,  flaggy,  olive-gray  50  “ 895 

SS.,  white  35  “ 930 

Slate,  sandy,  dark  70  “ 1000 

Slate,  more  shelly,  dark-gray  100  “ 1100 

Slate,  muddy,  dark  100  “ 1200 

Slate,  sandy,  dark  .^ 74  “ 1274 

SS.,  fine  olive-gray,  “Second  Sand” 

(Gantz)  17  “ 1291 

Slate,  dark  3 “ 1294 

SS.,  fine,  with  slate  partings,  “50'  Rock” 

olive-gray  54  “ 1348 

Red  rock,  sandy  “30'  Rock”  13  “ 1361 

Slate,  dark,  with  gray  sand  shells 36  “ 1397 

SS.,  hard,  bluish-gray,  “Blue  Monday”  ..  6 “ 1403 

Red  rock,  hard  slate  27  “ 1430 

Slate,  dark  29  “ 1459 

SS.,  hard,  olive-gray,  “Bowlder”  10  “ 1469 

Slate,'' dark  12  “ 1481 

SS.,  white,  “Stray  Third”  25  “ 1506 

Slate,  dark  7 “ 1513 

SS.,  peb])ly,  coarse,  gray  “Third  Sand”  ..15  “ 1528 

Slate,  shelly,  purplish,  trace  red  rock  at 

1565'  58  “ 1586 

SS.,  pebbly,  coarse,  Avhite,  “Fourth  Sand”  22  “ 1608 

Slate,  very  dark  8 “ 1616 


Drilled  dry.  Cased  at  705',  and  found  no  water  below  casing, 
little  gas  at  1,120'.  Oil  at  1519',  and  no  increase  of  oil  in 


92 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IIECOIIDS 


the  “Fourth  sand.”  Torpodoed,  but  no  apparent  increase  of  oil. 
Puniped  about  one  and  one-lialf  ])arrels  of  oil  per  day.  Tor- 
pedoed a second  time,  and  after  that  said  to  be  averaging  10 
barrels  })er  day. 

Hazel  wood  Well  No.  21. 

Owned  by  Hazelwood  Oil  Coin})any,  on  the  11.  P.  Shakely 
farm,  Pairview  township,  Butler  county,  Fa.,  about  one-half 
mile  south  35°  east  of  Petrol ia,  and  four-fifths  of  a mile  north 
75°  east  of  Evans  well,  No.  21.  AVell  mouth  above  ocean,  1,298 


feet. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Confluctor  16  to  16 

Shells,  soft,  sbalv,  gray,  muddy  110  “ 126 

Shells,  slaty,  gray^ 30  156 

Slate,  hard,  sandy,  bluish-gray  44  “ 200 

Coal,  ‘BNal”  ' 1 “ 201 

Slate,  gray  and  muddy  44  “ 245 

Limestone,  ‘^Ferriferous  Limestone”  20  “ 265 

Slat^j  dark  30  “ 295 

Coal,  “Coal”  2 “ 297 

SS.,  grav,  “60'  RocdF’  30  “ 327 

Slate,  dark  36  “ 363 

SS.,  gray  and  brownish-gray  52  “ 415 

Slate,  witli  gray  shells  . .* 40  “ 455 

Slate,  very  dark  29  “ 484 

SS.,  soft  bluish-gray  70'  'v  (“Biig  Injun’’) 

SS.,  hard,  white  50'  I “Mountain  Sand” 

SS.,  gritty  ('live-gray  30'  f 186  “ 670 

SS.,  shcllv  Avith  dark  slate  36'  ) 

Slate,  dark  100  “ 770 

Slate,  sandy  and  liard  37  “ 807 

SS.,  One  a)id  hard,  top  gray,  bottom  very 

d?»rk  ; ‘. 2S  “ 835 

Slate,  bluish  100  “ 935 

Slate,  shelly  90  “1025 

SS.,  dark  grav  . 10  “ 1035 

Slate,  sandv,  \iark  50  “ 1085 

Slate,  dark  70  “ 1155 

Slate,  purplish  52  “ 1207 

SS.,  olive-gray,  “Second  Sand”  (Gants)  ..  6 “ 1213 

Red  rock,  sandy,  chocolaie  color  4 “ 1217 

SS.,  olive-gray,  (laky,  “50'  and  30'  Rocks”.  . 63  “ 1280 

Slate,  sandy,  dark  32  “ 1312 

SS.,  tine,  dark  gray,  “Line  Monday”  ....  6 “ 1318 

Red  rock,  soft  “Big  Red  Rock”  18  “.  1336 


WEST  VIllGINTA  CtEOLOGICAL  STGIVEY 


Slate,  (lark  20  V.m 

SS.,  jrray,  ^‘Bowlder” d 1359 

Slate,  bluish  23  1382 

SS.,  with  yellow  pe}>bles  ‘SStray  Third’’  ..29  1411 

Slate,  dark  1 1412 

SS.,  coarse  and  i^ray,  ‘‘Thii'd  Sand” 19  1431 

Slate,  dark  19  “ 1450 

Red  rock  8 1458 

Slate,  purplish  24  “ 1482 

SS.,  vellowish-gray,  very  line  at  bottom, 

^‘I’ourth  Sand”  ..! 27  1509 

Slate,  very  dark  3 1512 


Drilled  dry.  Cased  at  4867  A little  salt  water  in  tlie 
‘Aloiintain  sand,”  belo"\V  the  casing,  about  half  enough  to  drill 
with.  Very  little  gas  in  the  “Second  sand.”  Oil  in  the  “Third 
sand”  at  1,415',  and  no  increase  in  the  “Fourth.”  Torpedoed 
before  being  tubed  with  no  apparent  increase  of  oil.  Average 
daily  production,  15  barrels. 

'ITk^se  records  can  be  converted  for  ready  comparison  with 
the  West  Virginia  series  where  the  Dittsburg  coal  is  used  as  the 
Jveij  roeli-,  by  adding  875  feet  to  the  interval  from  the  top  of  the 
Ferriferous  limestone,  since  the  horizon  of  this  latter  sti*atum 
comes  at  approximately  that  distance  below  the  Pittsburg  coal. 
They  were  all  taken  with  equal  care  by  the  same  party,  and 
exhibit  i]i  a striking  way  the  rapid  chaMges'  in  the  cliaraiuer  of 
the  strata  within  short  distaiices.  Hie  “Second  Sand”  of  thes(' 
re('X)rds  is  identical  with  the  (iantz  sand  of  Wasliington  county, 
Pa.,  and  it  comes  almost  exactly  1,800  feet  below  the  Pittsburg 
coal  horizon,  just  as  it  does  in  Washington  county,  while  the 
highest  red.  or  purple  bed  of  the  Calskill  lies  immediately  on  its 
top.  'The  Third  sand''’  of  tliese  records  ap{)ears  to  correspond 
witli  the  (jordon  sand,  of  Wasliington  county,  but  is  only  2,050 
feet  below  the  Pittsbui’g  coal,  thus  agreeing  with  the  interval 
in  the  New  Freeport  held  of  Greene  county,  Ihi.,  and  the 
]\Tai*shall  county  field  of  West  Virginia,  ratlier  than  with  tlie 
typical  Gordon  sand  ivgion  at  Washington,  Pa.,  wlann  th(‘  same 
interval  measures  2,100  f(vt,  as  it  do(‘s  in  many  regions  of 
W(4zel  county,  W.  Va. 

In  this  region  of  Butler  county.  Pa.,  the  cxdidiratnd  Speech- 
l(*y  Gas  sand,  has  reciuitly  l)(‘en  found  jietroli feroiis.  'I4i(‘  rda- 


94 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS 


tions  of  this  sand  to  the  Venango  Oil  Sand  Group  is  shown  by 
the  record  of  well  No.  1 on  the  M.  G.  Black  farm,  Fairview 
township,  Butler  county,  furnished  me  by  Mr.  John  Worthing- 
ton, of  the  South  Penn  Oil  Company,  v/hich  reads  as  follows : 


d/.  a.  Black  Well  No.  1. 


, 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Interval  

.1050 

to  1050 

Second  Sand,  (Hundred-foot) 

. 105 

“ 1155 

Interval  

. 265 

“ 1322 

Third  Sand  

. 3 

“ 1325 

Interval  

40 

“ 1365 

Fourth  Sand  

35 

“ 1400 

Interval  

. 840 

“ 2240 

Speechley  Sand  

17 

“ 2257 

Since  the  top  of  the  “Second  sand’ 

’ or  “: 

Hundred-foot 

Butler  county,  lies  about  935  feet  below  the  FeA'riferous  Lime- 
stone, the  Speechley  sand  would  come  2,125  below  that  stratum 
or  say,  3,000  feet  below  the  horizon  of  the  Pittsburg  coal  in  the 
Pennsylvania  region. 

The  top  of  the  “Hundred-foot”  sand  (or  Gantz  and  Fifty- 
foot  combined)  is  found  in  northern  West  Virginia  (Monon- 
galia, Marion  and  Wetzel  counties)  at  1,850  to  1,900  feet  below 
the  Pittsburg  coal,  so  that  the  horizon  of  the  Speechley  sand 
should  be  looked  for  at  3,050  to  3,100  feet  under  the  Pittsburg 
coal  in  the  northern  West  Virginia  oil  region.  Only  one  well 
in  the  northern  portion  of  the  state,  so  far  as  the  writer  is 
aware,  has  been  drilled  deep  enough  to  penetrate  the  Speechley 
sand  horizon,  and  this  is  the  Wheeling  Deep  well  on  Boggs  Run, 
which  passed  through  a gray  sand  with  a showing  of  oil  at  2,995' 
or  1,095  feet  below  the  top  of  the  (Janiz  sand  horizon.  This 
might  possibly  represent  the  Speechley  sand  of  Pennsylvania, 
since  this  interval  belov/  the  top  of  the  Gantz  horizon  is  only 
a few  feet  less  than  in  Butler  county,  and  the  westward  thinning 
of  the  Devonian  sediments  would  readily  account  for  the  dis- 
crepancy. Other  wells  in  West  Virginia  should  be  drilled 
through  this  sand,  since  a new  productive  oil  and  gas  horizon 
may  result. 


WEST  VIIU^INIA  GEOLOGICAL  STIUVEY 


0*5 


Td  the  Thorn  crei'k  district  of  Butler  county,  Ihi.,  tlie  Gantz 
and  “Fifty-foot”  sands  of  the  Petrol ia,  reg'ion,  coalesce  into  one 
solid  mass,  known  as  the  “ Ilmidred-foot,  ” as  shown  in  the  fol- 
lowing’ record  from  1-5,  page  203. 

Wallace  Farm  Well  No.  16. 

Tliorn  Creek  district,  Penn  townshij^,  Butler  county.  Owners 
and  authority : Fisher  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

(H  

to 

455 

Limestone  (Ferriferous)  . 

, . . 20 

i c 

475 

(?)  (680'  casing)  

,..225 

( ( 

700 

SS.,  Mountain  sand  

..210 

( i 

910 

(H  

...368 

i ( 

1278 

SS.,  Gas  sand  (Berea)  

..  40 

i i 

1318 

(?) 

. . 98 

1 i 

1416 

SS.,  Hundred-foot 

. . 90 

C i 

1506 

(H  

. . 74 

( ( 

1580 

SS.,  Tbirty-foot 

..  28 

( i 

1608 

(H  ' ; 

22 

( ( 

1630 

SS.,  Blue  Monday  

..  20 

i ( 

1650 



..  50 

( i 

1700 

SS.,  Boulder 

. . 5 

( ( 

1705 

(?) 

..  17 

i i 

1722 

SS.,  Third  sand  

..  30 

i 1 

1752 

SS.,  Fourtli  sand 

. . 16 

i ( 

1768 

( ?)  to  bottom  

..  4 

i ( 

1772 

Another  record  from  the  southern 

portion 

of  Donegal 

township,  Butler  county,  drilled  by  the  Fisher  Oil  Company 
on  the  Hickey  farm,  reads  as  follows: 

llickey  Farm,  Well  No.  3. 

November  20th,  1880.  Contractors,  Younkins  & Co. 

Feet.  Peel. 


(H  330  330 

lamestoiie,  (Ferriferous)  22  352 

(H  (500'  of  easing)  218  570 

SS.,  Mountain  sand  200  770 

(H  130  900 

SS.,  Fij-st  sand  50  ‘‘  950 

(H  170  1120 

SS.,  Gas  sand  (Perea)  50  1170 

(H  145  1315 

SS.,  llundred-foot  50  1365 

( H 15  1380 

SS.,  Thirty-foot  20  1400 

(H  50  1450 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS 


SS.,  Line  Afonday 15  1465 

(?)  15  ''  1480 

SS.,  Boulder .15  1495 

(?)  ' 75  1570 

SS.,  Third  sand  to  })ottoni 39  “ 1609 


Tlie  ^‘Oas’’  sand  of  tlaese  records  is  provisionally  identified 
])y  tlie  wi'iter,  with  the  ‘'Berea  Grit”  of  Ohio  and  AVest  Ahro-inia. 
The  iniervai  from  the  “Third,”  or  Gordon  sand  np  L)  the 
liorizon  of  tlie  Pittsburg  coal,  has  here  thickened  np  to  a little 
over  2,100  feet,  as  we  find  by  adding  875  feet  for  the  thickness 
of  the  measures  a.]>ove  the  Ferriferous  limestone. 

Still  farther  to  the  southwest  in  A¥est  Peer  township,  Alle- 
gheny county,  the  measures  continue^  to  thicken  as  siiown  l)y  the 
following  record  from  page  241  1-5: 


rmstro) ig  ^Ye 1 1. 

Located  on  the  Armstrong  farm,  north  line  A¥est  Deer 
township,  Allegheny  county.  .Owners,  the  vAllegheny  Syndi- 
cate. Autliority,  Wolf  & Galey,  contractors. 


Feet. 


Coaduetor  12 

Slate  and  sliells 358 

Slate  20 

Goal  5 

Thmestone,  (FeiTiiei’ons)  15 

Slate  and  sliells 200 

SS.,  “Alountai]!  Sands"  (Big  Injim)  225 

Slate  and  shells 50 

SS 20 

Slate  and  shells 325 

SS.,  “Gas  Sand”  (Berea)  97 

Slate  40 


SS.,  ‘ ‘ Hnnd red-foot  ” 113 

Slate  5 


SS. 


20 


Slate  25 

Red  rock  (5 

SS.,  “ Thii'lv-foot  ’ ’ 30 

Slate  25 

SS.,  “Bine  Alonday”  20 

Slate  2 

SS L5 

Slate  20 

SS.,  ^Gloulder  or  Third  Sand” 25 

Slate  30 


Feet, 
to  12 
“ 370 

390 
“ 395 

''  410 

610 
“ R35 

^ ' S85 

905 
“ 1230 

“ 1327  (Water  at  1240') 
“ 1367 
1480 
“ 1485 
1505 
“ 1530 
“ 1536 
1566 
“ 1591 
1611 
“ 1613 
“ 1628 
“ 1648 
‘‘  1673 
“ 1703 


/ 


WESl'  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


1)7 


SS.,  Oil  sand  iinpi’odiietive 17  1720 

Slate  40  1700 

Red  r(K'k 20  1780 

Slate  100  1070 

SS.,  (Bayard)  30  2000 

Slate  and  shells  to  bottom 243  2243 

Unproductive  “ .... 


The  names  in  parentheses  are  added  by  the  writer  (I. 
C.  W.) 

Here  the  interval  to  the  ‘‘Third”,  or  Gordon  sand,  from 
the  Pittsburg:  coal,  is  2,128  feet  and  to  the  “Hundred-foot” 
1,847  feet,  while  to  a sand  which  corresponds  with  the  Bayard 
of  Greene  county,  the  interval  is  2,450  feet. 

Along  the  Ohio  Valleju  just  below  Pittsburg,  some  sand 
horizons  beneath  the  Third,’’  or  Gordon,  become  oil  and  gas 
])earing  as  shown  by  the  follovdng  record  on  the  Smith  farm, 
page  248-9  1-5 : 

Smith  Well. 

Ijocated  on  the  G.  W.  Smith  farm,  Ohio  township,  Alle- 
gheny county.  Pa.  Authority,  Geo.  II.  Dimick. 

Well  mouth  100  feet  below  the  “Crinoidal”  limestone. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  15  to  15 

Slate  10  25 

SS 120  145 

Coal  blossom,  slate,  etc 50  “ 195 

SS 50  “ 245 

Slate  12  257 

SS.  and  slate  partings 78  335 

Slate  15  350 

SS.,  dark  gray 50  “ 400 

Slate  and  shale  (550'  of  5%"  casing 222  “ 022 

SS.  in  slate,  iiTegular  08  “ 090 

SS.  top  white,  coarse,  bottom  dark 300  990 

Slate  35  ''  1025 

Shells  10  1035 

SS 95  “ 1130 

Slate  72  “ 1202 

SS 28  1230 

Slate  110  1340 

SS.,  white,  coarse  (oil  and  gas  in  top,  salt 

water  18')  (Berea  horizon)  102  “ 1442 

Slate  15  1457 


SS.,  bluish  top,  white  bottom.  One  (linn- 


98 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOliDS 


rlrcd-foot)  133  1590 

Slate  (1G30'  of  41/4"  casino') 75  “ 1665 

SS 16  16S1 

Slate  17  169S 

SS.  ^H^lover  seed”  reddish  at  bottom 10  1708 

Slate  35  sand  shells  9',  slate  S' 20  1728 

SS.,  little  oil  (Third  or  Gordon}  18  1746 

Slate  and  sand  shells 46  1792 

SS.,  white,  fine  (gas  at  top,  oil  at  bottom) 

(Fourth)  . . ." 28  1820 

Slate  40  1860 

SS.  3 1863 

Slate,  soft 4 1867 

SS.,  ‘‘Simpson  Gas  Sand”  (Fiftli  or  Mc- 
Donald)   17  “ 1884 

Slate,  to  bottom  56  “ 1940 


This  record  introduces  a new  sand,  the  (Fifth,  or  Mc- 
Donald) at  a lower  horizon  than  the  Fourth  sand  of  the  Butler 
county  group,  viz. : the  one  struck  at  1,867  feet,  or  (by  adding 
400  feet),  2,267  feet  below  the  horizon  of  the  Pittsburg  coal, 
while  above  it,  in  proper  succession  come  the  Fourth,  Third, 
Gordon,  ‘‘Hundred-foot,^’  and  Berea  sands,  the  latter  being 
struck  at  1,340  feet  or  1,740  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  since 
this  coal  belongs  400  feet  above  the  derrick  floor. 

Another  very  interesting  record  is  that  of  a well  drilled  by 
Jones  & Laughlin  on  the  South  Side,  Pittsburg,  near  the  Monon- 
gahela  river,  given  by  Mr.  Jno.  F.  Carll  in  the  Annual  Report 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Geological  Survey  for  1886,  page  730,  as 
follows : 

Jones  (P  Laughlins’  Well,  No.  1. 

Commenced  July  10,  1884.  Completed  April  10,  1885. 
Located  on  the  east  side  of  Twenty-sixth  street,  near  the  river; 
Twenty-fifth  ward,  Pittsburg,  South  Side,  at  Messrs.  Jones  & 
Laughlin ’s  American  Iron  and  Steel  works,  Allegheny  county. 
Pa.  Well  mouth  above  ocean  735  feet. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Surface  gravels,  drive  pipe 80  to  80 

Saudy  slate  and  sand  shells  15  “ 95 

Slate,  lead  color  15  “ 110 

SS.,  white,  medium  grain,  friable,  mica  ....  60  “ 170 

Slialy  sandstone,  fine,  gray-black,  mica,  ....  15  “ 185 

SS.,  gray,  fine,  a little  slate  near  center  ..  33  “ 218 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


99 


Slate  12  ''  230 

Sandy  slate  and  shale,  vei*y  fine,  mica,  some 
^•ray  limestone  and  coal  slate  near  top, 

trace  of  lime  all  through 58  288 

Sandy  slate  and  shells,  dark 27  315 

Slate,  black,  and  trace  of  coal . 20  335 

Sandy  slate  and  shells,  faint  trace  of  lime.  .35  370 

SS.,  white,  tine,  mica,  grayish  at  top  and 

bottom  70  440 

Slate,  black,  coal  (Drillers  say  3'  of  coal)  . . 10  ‘‘  450 

Sandy  slate,  dark,  granulating  like  sand  ..  55  505 

Sandy  slate  and  brown  and  white  shells, 

trace  of  coal  15  520 

Sandy  slate,  gray,  fine,  mica,  large  per- 
centage of  lime  20  540 

Slate,  black  45  585 

Sandy  slate  and  sandstone,  tine,  dark 

brownish-gray  10  595 

SS.,  Avhite,  medium,  compact,  white  specks.  ,50  ‘‘  645 

Slate,  black,  trace  of  coal  10  655 

SS.,  dark  ash-gray,  tine,  friable  25  680 

Sandy  slate,  chocolate-brown,  tine,  mica  ..30  710 

Slate,  dark,  with  gray  shells 20  ‘‘  730 

SS.,  white,  medium,  compact 40  770 

Slate,  black,  with  some  coal  20  790 

(?)  specimens  omitted 35  826 

Siliceous  limestone,  (white  sand  and  buff 

Idmestone  20  845 

Siliceous  limestone,  like  bluish  sandy  shale.  8 853 

Siliceous  limestone,  like  gi’ay  light  sand  ...  27  880 

Slate  and  gray  sand  shells 30  910 

Sandy  slate,  dai’k,  gray,  tine,  mica  35  ‘‘  945 

SS.,  white,  medinni,  c()nii)acl,  some  dark 

slate  at  104,7  and  1080'  IGO  ‘‘  1105 

Slate,  dark,  })nre  (50  11(55 

While  sainl,  and  dark  sandy  slate,  ‘Salt 

aiid  pei)per  rock” 35  “ 1200 

Sandy  slate,  and  slate  bluish 20  “ 1220 

SS.,  grayish,  tine,  Oaky,  mica,  (white  in 

center)  *55  “ 1275 

SS.,  grayish,  tine,  flaky,  mica,  with  layers 

of  (lark  slate  20  “ 1295 

Slate,  a little  sandy,  2(K  ^ • 

Slate,  common,  45'  > ....130  1426 

Slate,  a little  sandy,  (55'  ) 

SS.,  gray,  fine,  some  lime,  “Gas  sand” 

(Berea)  25  “ 1450 

Slate,  common,  little  sandy  top  and  bottom.  75  “ 1525 


100 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS 


SS.,  white,  top  fine,  center  and  bottom 


quite  coarse  (Hundred-foot) 93  1618 

Slate,  black,  granulating  like  sand  7 1625 

SS.,  white  and  brown  mixed,  fine 10  1635 

Slate  and  shells,  dark  8 1643 

SS.,  white,  top  grayish  and  mixed  with 
sandy  slate,  bottom  wdiite,  little  slate; 

pebble  shell  at  1650'  25  1668 

Slate  and  sandy  shells  7 1675 

SS.,  white,  medium,  (Pebble  shell  at  1705'  .45  1720 

Sandy  shale,  red  and  green 20  1740 

Slate  and  shells  15  ‘‘‘‘  1755 

Slate,  common  43  1798 

SS.,  pebbly,  (say  2'  pebbles  and  5'  grayish 

sand,  fine)  good  flow  of  gas  (Gordon)  . 7 1805 

Slate,  black,  iron  pyrites  (probably  some 

shells  at  top) 15  1820 

Slate,  dark,  with  greenish-gray  shells  and 

streaks  of  red  13  1833 

Slate,  blue-black 27  1860 

SS.,  yellowish-gray,  fine,  very  hard 8 1868 

Slate  and  shells 12  1880 

Sandy  slate,  red  and  green,  soft,  wdth  very 

red  clay,  10  1890 

SS.,  yellowush-gray,  fine,  hard  10  1900 

Slate  and  shells,  bluish-gray  3 1903 

Slate  and  shells,  greenish-gray  and  red,  . . 12  1915 

SS.,  yellowish-gray,  medium  7 1922 

Slate,  common  24  1946 

Slate  and  shells  8 1954 


SS.,  yellowish-gray,  medium,  very 

hard 

q 

i i 

1956 

Slate  and  sand,  greenish-gray  and 

red,  lime 

....  3 

( ( 

1959 

SS.,  greenish-gray,  with  reddish  1 

^ . (5th) 

slate  

3 

i i 

1962 

Slate  and  shells 

6 

i i 

1968 

Slate,  sandv  

11 

i 1 

1979 

SS.,  white,  fine,  mica,  flaky,  hard 

7 

( i 

1986 

Slate,  comnton  

22 

( ( 

2008 

Slate  wuth  sand  shells  

17 

( ( 

2025 

SS.,  white,  very  fine  and  hard  .... 

9 

( ( 

2034 

Slate,  common  

132 

( ( 

2166 

, Slate,  sandy,  with  some  reddish  laye 

rs  ....  77 

i i 

2243 

Slate,  a portion  of  it  shelly 

148 

( ( 

2391 

Slate,  sandy,  much  mica,  bailings 

some- 

times  dark  red  

90 

i i 

2481 

Slate,  common,  fossils  at  2485'  . . . 

136 

i i 

2617 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


101 


8S.  and  slate,  brownisli-^ray,  niieaccons  . . 4 ‘‘  2021 


Slate,  with  2'  fossil  band  at  20()0'  44  2005 

Slate,  with  pyrites  and  suine  fossils 240  “ 2911 

Slate,  some  fossilc  bands  89  3000 


“kSoiiic  i^as  strvKdv  at  1798  feet;  large  flow  at  1,804  feet.”  The 
sand  at  1,954-1,980  feet  is  evidently  the  McDonald  or  Fifth  oil 
sand,  and  it  conies  429  feet  below  the  top  of  the  “Iluudred- 
f oot.  ’ ’ 

The  Pittsburg  coal  crops  in  the  hills  here  at  325  feet  above 
the  derrick  floor,  and  hence  that  interval  added  to  the  depth 
at  which  any  particular  stratum  was  struck  will  give  its  horizon 
below  this  important  geological  level. 

As  a supplement  to  this  record,  and  probably  kept  with 
a little  more  care,  we  give  that  of  the  Painter  well  about  one 
mile  distant,  also  starting  on  the  bank  of  the  Monongahela  river, 
and  at  the  same  (325  feet)  interval  below  the  Pittsburg  coal. 
It  is  given  by  Mr.  Carll  on  page  739  of  the  Report  for  1886, 
above  referred  to  as  follows: 

, Fainter  Well. 

Located  at  the  Iron  works  of  J,  Painter  & Sons,  on  W.  Car- 
son  street,  Thirty-fourth  Ward,  Pittsburg;  being  under  the  cliffs 
on  the  south  bank  of  the  Ohio  river,  about  midway  between  tlie 
Point  bridge  and  Temperanceville.  Compiled  from  a set  of 
94  sand  purnpings,  preserved  by  Mr.  Harper,  superintendent  of 
Iron  works.  Well  mouth  above  ocean  in  feet,  730. 


(*?)  no  s])ecimen  40  to  40 

Sandy  shale  and  clay,  light  gray 30  ‘‘  70 

li  Slate,  gray  30  “ 100 

Shale,  daik,  fossils,  (Upper  Cain- 

I bridge,  L.  S.)  5 105 

( Slaty  sandstone,  thin  layers,  micaceous  15  120 

■ SS,,  ash-gray,  friable,  medium  grain, 

mica  25  145 

Slate,  dark,  gidtty,  micaceous  15  160 

Shales,  reddish  and  greenish 30  190 

Shale,  sandy,  trace  of  red  and  lime- 
stone   23y2  ‘‘  2131/2 

Coal,  slate  with  little  coal  (Lower 

Cambridge)  41/2  ” 218 

SS.,  gray,  with  e(pial  portion  of  dark 

slate  8 226 


102 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  liECOliDS 


Slate,  dark  

34 

i ( 

2G0 

Dark  sliales  and  i<ray  sand  shells  . . . 

40 

i i 

300 

Slaty  shale,  dark,  cdayey  

50 

i i 

350 

SS.,  gray  and  black  sandy  slate,  tine. 

hard  

20 

i i 

370 

Sandy  slate  and  shale,  gray,  mica- 

ceoiis  

15 

( ( 

385 

Slate,  common  

381/2 

( ( 

4231/2 

Coal,  bright  and  good,  (Upper  Kit- 

tanning)  

41/2 

i i 

428 

SS.,  friable,  dark  gray,  fine  (salt  water) 

52 

i i 

480 

Slate  

95 

i ( 

575 

SS,,  white  friable,  (salt  water)  (top 

i.i 

of  Pottsville)  

57 

i i 

632 

Slate,  common,  (salt  water)  

23 

i ( 

655 

SS.,  white,  friable,  little  gas 

25 

( i 

680 

Gray  sand  shells  and  slate  

15 

i ( 

695 

Slate,  dark  

50 

i i 

745 

Slaty  shales,  sandy,  micaceous 

15 

( i 

760 

Slate,  common  

25 

i i 

785 

SS.,  gi*ay,  with  black  sandy  slate  and 

lime  (base  of  Pottsville)  

10 

i ( 

795 

Sand  shells,  gray,  and  limestone 

10 

i i 

805 

SS.,  light  gray  limestone,  (?)  

55 

i i 

860 

Shaly  slate,  dark,  gritty 

15 

( ( 

875 

SS.,  white,  with  black  slaty  shale  . . . . 

20 

( i 

895 

SS.,  white  and  grayish,  friable  massive 

(Big  Injnii)  

175 

i i 

1070 

Slate,  common 

35 

( i 

1105 

SS.,  brownish-gray,  very  tine,  tough  . . 

30 

i ( 

1135 

Slate,  common  

30 

( ( 

1165 

SS.,  greenisli-gray,  tine,  flaky,  mica  . . 

35 

i i 

1200 

Slafe,  common 

60 

i i 

1260 

SS.,  greenish-gray,  tine  flaky,  mica.... 

10 

i i 

1270 

Slate,  common 

100 

i i 

1370 

Slate  and  shells,  hard  

10 

i i 

1380 

?ilate,  micaceous  

45 

( 1 

1425 

SS.,  gray,  fine  (much  salt  water) 

(Berea)  

45 

( ( 

1470 

Slate,  dark,  gritty,  tough  

70 

i ( 

1540 

SS.,  gray  top  and  bottom,  white  in 

center,  (salt  water)  (Hundred- 

foot)  

120 

1 ( 

1660 

Slate,  common  

5 ' 

i ( 

1665 

Slate,  wdth  red  shales  

5 

i i 

1670 

SS.,  wliite,  tine,  (^^Thirty-foot”)  .... 

25 

( ( 

1695 

Slate,  common  

45 

( ( 

1740 

Slate  and  shells  

40 

( i 

1780 

WEST  VIIIGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


103 


Slate,  coiimion  35  iS15 

SS.,  (lark  lirav,  tine,  Loiii;'Ii  (Goi’don 

St  ray’’)  ^ 15  1830 

Slaty  shale,  led,  with  greenish  ^ray 

shells  8 1838 

SS.,  j^ravish,  fine,  hard,  (Gordon)  ....  17  “ 1855 

Slate',  ecJmmoii  45  1900 

SS.,  white,  flaky,  (Eonrth) 20  1920 

SS.  and  shells,  no  si)eeiiiien 52  1972 

SS.,  J4'ray,  medium,  some  small  [)ebbles, 

(\mis)  Fifth  or  AIcDonald”  ....  8 1980 

Slate,  common  to  bottom  34  2014 


The  sand  struck  at  1979  feet  in  the  Jones  & Lauglilin  well, 
evidently  corresponds  to  the  one  struck  at  1972  in  the  Painter 
well  since  botli  wells  begin  near  the  same  geological  horizon. 

The  deei)est  well  ever  drilled  in  the  United  States  is  the  one 
put  down  by  the  Forest  Oil  Company  during  the  active  life  of 
that  organization  under  the  i>residency  of  JMr.  AV.  J.  Young  of 
Pittsl)urg,  now  the  chief  executive  officer  of  the  South  Penn 
Oil  Company.  This  well  is  situated  in  Allegheny  county.  Pa., 
a few  miles  southwest  from  Pittsburg.  Through  the  intelligent 
public  spirit  of  Mr.  Young  the  well  was  dedicated  to  science, 
and  at  my  re(]uest.  Prof.  AAhn.  llallock,  the  eminent  physicist 
of  Columbia  University,  was  given  every  facility  for  testing  the 
well  for  tem|)erature,  the  results  of  which  are  irublished  in  con- 
nection with  the  record,  ’fhe  intention  of  Mr.  Young  was  to 
drill  the  well  into  the  Cor iiif crons  Limestone,  but  an  accident  left 
the  tools  and  over  1,000  feet  of  cable  in  the  well  after  it  had 
been  drilled  to  a depth,  of  5,575  feet,  thus  elfeetually  plugging 
the  hole,  since  all  efforts  to  get  hold  of  the  broken  cable  were 
fruitless.  An  atten^)t  to  dissolve  it  with  sulphuric  acid  was 
made,  but  after  two  years  of  unsuccessful  efforts  to  clear  the 
hole,  it  was  finally  abandoned  much  to  the  regg'et  of  Mr.  Young, 
v/ho  had  expended  many  thousands  of  dollars  in  the  interest  of 
I)ure  science.  This  record  as  compiled  by  Mr.  Young  and  Mr. 
Crocker,  the  snpej'intendent  of  the  h’orest  Oil  Company,  from 
the  drilling  samples,  and  kindly  furnished  the  Survey  for  pub- 
lication, reads  as  follows: 


104 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECORDS 


Deepest  Well  in  Uie  United  States. 

Drilled  near  AVest  Elizabeth  by  the  Forest  Oil  Company, 
1898.  Loeated  on  Wm.  Bedell  farm,  12  miles  south  soiitheat>t  of 
l^ittsburo’^  Allegheny  county.  Pa.  Depth  5,575  feet. 

Authority,  Mr.  W.  J.  Young;  for  temperature.  Prof.  Wm. 
Hallock,  Columbia  University,  New  York.  Beginning  130  feet 


below  the  Pittsburg  coal. 

Slate  40  40 

Bottom  of  10"  casing  at ....  40  ^ ‘ 50 

Limestone  10  50 

Shales  89  130 

Slate  105  235 

Sand  30  265 

Slate  40  305 

Coal  (Bakerstown)  3 308 

Slate  100  408 

Bottom  of  814"  casing  at . . . 360  ‘ ^ 360 

Coal  2 410 

Slate  75  485 

Sand 40  525  (Temperature  57°  Falir.) 

Shale  10  535 

Coal  (L.  Freeport)  2 537 

Slate 25  562 

Sand  65  627 

Shale  15  642 

Coal  (M.  Kittanning)  ....  3 ‘‘  645 

Limestone  10  655 

hate  30  685 

Limestone  15  700 

Slate  50  750 

Sand  35  ''  785 

Slate  5 790 

Salt  Sand  95  885 

Slate  and  shells 115  “ 1000 

Slate  30  ''  1030 

Red  rock  20  ‘‘  1050 

Limestone  (Big,  M’t.,  etc.).  50  1100 

Big  Injun  310  ''  1410 

Bottom  of  614"  casing  at 

1320'  ''  1320 

Slate  and  shells 60  1470 

Sand  15  1485 

Slate  7 3492 

Sand  5 1497 

Slate  18  1515 

Sand,  (Berea U 50  ''  1565 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  10 

Slate  and  shells  GO  1625 

lainesloiie  10  1635 

Slate  and  shells 100  1735 

Sand,  (Gantz'/)  25  1760 

Slate  and  shells 20  1780 

Limestone  10  1790 

Slate  20  1810 

Sand  15  1825 

Slate  and  shells  45  “ 1870 

Sand  20  1890 

Slate  5 1895 

Sand  (‘^Thirty-foot’^)  ....  40  “ 1935 

Slate  3 “ 1938 

Sand  ( 18  to  1956 

Slate  ] “Stray” 30  “ 1986 

Sand  i 7 “ 1993 

Ked  rock  3 “ 1996 

Sand,  (Gordon,  Third,  etc..  65  “ 2061 

Red  rock  5 “ 2066 

Sand  (Fourth)  30  “ 2096 

Redrock  and  shells  15  “ 2111 

Slate  and  shells 15  “ 2126 

Sand  5 “ 2131 

Slate  3 “ 2134 

Sand  18  “ 2152 

Redrock  and  shells  .30  “ 2182 

Sand  (Fifth  or  McDonald)  25  “ 2207 

Red  rock  and  shells 35  “ 2242 

Slate  10  “ 2252  (Temperature  64°  Fahr.) 

Sand  5 “ 2257 

Slate  and  shells 25  “ 2282 

Sand  (Bayard^  5 “ 2287  (Gas, volume  251h  i)er  min.) 

Sand  ...^ 10  “ 2297 

Redrock  25  “ 2322 

Slate  and  shells 75  “ 2397  (Temperature,  78°  Fahr.) 

Sand  (Elizabeth)  3 “ 2400 

Shells  200  “ 2600 

Slate  150  “ 2750 

Slate  and  shells  200  “ 2950 

Slate  100  “ 3050 

Limestone  and  shells  100  “ 3150 

Sand  (Speech ley?)  15  “ 3165 

Slate  ■ 335  “ 3500 

Sand  (Bradford)  trace  of 

oil  20-  “ 3520 

Slate  and  shells 175  “ 3695 

Slate  and  shells 195  “ 3890 

Slate  and  shells 140  “ 4030 


1()()  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOliDS 

Slate  and  shells^ 180  4210 

Slate  and  shells  190  4400 

>Slale  and  shells  75  4475 

Slate  23  4498 

Shells  2 4500 

Slate  32  4532 

Shells  13  4545 

Slate  25  4570 

Ivimestone  20  4590 

Slate  10  4600 

Sand  30  4630 

Slate  40  4670 

ramestonc  20  4690 

Slate  20  4710 

Shells  15  4725 

Slate  15  4740 

Slate  and  shells  10  4750 

Sand  20  4770 

Slate  10  4780 

Limestone  10  4790 

Slate  20  4810 

Shells 10  ''  4820 

Slate  20  4840 

Limestone  15  4855 

Slate  20  ''  4875 

Shells  10  4885 

Slate  5 4890 

Slate  and  shells  10  4900 

Slate  15  ''  4915 

Shells  5 4920 

Slate  30  4950 

Shells  5 4955 

Slate  45  5000 

Limestone  10  5010  (Tem})erature  120°  Fahr.) 

Slate  10  ''  5020 

Slate  and  shells  10  5030 

Slate  20  5050 

Limestone  10  5060 

Slate  10  ''  5070 

Slate  and  shells  10  5080 

Slate  10  ''  5095 

Slate  and  shells  5 ‘‘  5100 

Limestone  5 5085 

Slate  30  ''  5130 

Limestone  10  “ 5140 

Slate  20  5160 

Limestone  10  5170 

Slate  10  5180 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


107 


Hinosiono  50  5230 

Slate  30  5260 

Liinesloiio  10  5270 

Slate  20  ''  5290 

Tjiniestoiie  5 ‘‘  5295 

Slate  25  5320 

Liniestoiie  10  5330 

Slate  30  ‘‘  5360 

Limestone  5 5365 

Slate  15  5380  (Temperatui'o  127°  Ealir.) 

Limestone  10  5390 

Slate  20  5410 

Slate  ami  shells  20  5430 

Slate  15  5445 

Inmestoiie  5 “ 5450 

Slate  20  5470 

Slate  and  shells  10  “ 5480 

Slate  20  5500 

Slate  75  5575  (Bottom  of  hole.) 


(The  identilications  in  i)arentheses  are  added  by  I.  C.  W.) 

4Tie  hole  stoi)j)ed  in  a dark  shale  supposed  to  be  the  Marcel- 
Itis,  and  x^robaldy  not  more  than  100  feet  above  the  horizon  of  the 
Corniferous  limestone,  although  of  course,  this  is  a mere  in- 
ference based  ui)on  the  fact  that  in  the  Conway  deep  well  near 
Franklin,  Fa.,  the  top  of  the  Corniferous  was  struck  at  3,608 
feet  below  the  top  of  the  Venango  Oil  Sand  Crouj),  wiiile  the 
drill  in  the  Bedell  well  stopped  at  3,840  feet  below  the  same  hori- 
zon, and  hence  tlm  Devonian  sliales  could  not  extend  much 
deeper.  The  sand  at  3,150  feet  has  been  doubtfully  identified 
with  the  l^peechleij  horizon,  since  it  underlies  the  Pittsburg  coal 
by  an  interval  (3,280  feet)  200  feet  greater  than  in  Butler 
county.  This,  however,  would  agree  with  the  general  south- 
eastward thickening,  and  is  what  would  be  exx)ected.  Messrs. 
Young  and  Crocker  are  resx)onsible  for  the  identification  with 
the  Bradford  hoiazon,  of  the  sand  struck  at  3,500  feet. 

Tile  Warren  Hand  which,  accoi’ding  to  Oliphant,  lies  350 
feed.  al)ove  the  Speechley  sand,  or  500  feet  below  the  top  of  the 
Fourth  Hand,  does  not  appear  to  have  been  represented  by  any 
distinct  sand  in  this  Bedell  record.  Its  horizon  belongs  mair  the 
bottom  of  the  200  feet  of  ‘‘Shells”  the  toj)  of  which  was  struck 
at  2,400  feed,. 


08 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS 


A few  i-ecoi'ds  of  wells  drilled  through  the  Speechley  Sand 
ill  Armstrong  county,  Fa.,  one  of  them  finding  the  Bradford 
Sand,  •have  just  lieen  received  through  the  kindness  of  Mr. 
Emmet  Queen,  of  Pittsburg.  They  are  published  here,  since  they 
serve  to  illustrate  the  relation  of  the  deep  sands  (Speechley, 
IF-adforcl,  etc.)  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  higher  Venango  Sands 
(dantz,  (iordon.  Fourth,  etc.,)  which  with  the  Big  Injun  above, 
form  the  principal  oil  and  gas  ])roducing  horizons  of  West 
Virginia.  The  Mountain  Sand  of  these  records  is  the  “Big 
Injun  Sand“  of  West  Virginia,  the  “ Ilundred-foot”  represents 
the  Gantz  and  Fifty-foot,  while  the  Third  Sand  comes  at  the 
horizon  of  the  Gordon  bed. 

Brady’s  Bend  Well. 

Armstrong  county.  Pa.  Authority,  Emmet  Queen. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Wood  eoiiduetor  IS  to  18 

Unrecorded  17  35 

Ferriferous  limestone 20  55 

Firechay  15  70 

Coal  4 74 

Slate  and  shale  156  230 

Mountain  Sand,  (Big  Injun)  .' 243  473 

Slate  and  shale  162  635 

First  Sand  38  673 

Slate  and  shale  185  858 

Gas  Sand,  (Berea)  24  882 

Slate  and  shale  102  984 

Hundred-foot  Sand  84  1068 

Slate  and  shale  57  1125 

Tliirty-foot  Sand 30  1155 

Slate  and  shale  105  1260 

Third  Sand,  (Gordon)  20  1280 

Slate  10  ''  1290 

Fourth  Sand  ‘Hloulder”  10  1300 

Slate  and  shale  40  1340 

Fourth  Sand  17  1357 

Slate  and  shale  503  1860 

Beaty  Sand,  (Warren)  25  1885 

Slate  and  sliale  335  2220 

Speechley  Sand  (fifteen  feet  of  to])  of  this 
sand  was  gray  and  full  of  pebbles) 

(Gas)  60  2280 


Slate  and  shale,  (in  this  was  300  feet  red 


WEST  VIIUUNIA  (^lEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


109 


rock  1020  3300 

Bradford  Sand,  (fifteen  feet  of  top  of  this 
was  full  of  pebbles,  the  })alance  was 
brownisli  color  and  honey  combs  and 

showed  dark  oil)  SO  33S0 

Slate  and  red  rock  137  3617 

Total  depth  of  well  3517 

Joseph.  McElroij  Well. 

Armstrong  county,  Po.  Authority,  Emmet  Queen. 


Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor,  wood  IS  to  IS 

Fireclay,  slate  and  shales 172  190 

Coal  4 194 

Slate  and  shales  56  “ 250 

Coal  5 255 

Slate  and  shale  30  285 

Ferriferons  limestone  16  301 

Slate  and  shale 60  “ 361 

Sixty  and  Forty-foot  Sand SO  441 

Slate  and  shale  50  491 

Alonntain  Sand  (Big  Injnn)  250  “ 741 

Slate  and  shale  130  S71 

Sand  S5  956 

Slate  and  shale  175  1131 

^^Gas”  Sand,  (Berea)  20  “ 1151 

Slate  and  shale  1S9  “ 1340 

Ilnndred-foot  Sand,  ((tas)  75  “ 1415 

Slate  and  shale  131  ‘‘  1546 

Tiiird  Sand,  (Gordon)  11  1557 

Slate  and  shale  6S  1615 

Fourth  or  Fifth  Sand 25  1640 

Slate  and  shale  4S0  2120 

Beaty  Sand,  (Warren)  15  2135 

Shales  and  slate  361  2496 

Si)eechley  Sand  SI  “ 2577 

Slate,  (Bottom  t)f  well)  15  ''  2592 


The  Speechley  Sami  was  liard  ou  top  for  15  feet,  tlieu  a 
l)reak  of  20  feet  of  slate,  then  sand  to  bottom  at  2,555,  we  got 
a little  gas  and  show  of  oil.  The  Avell  is  sluit  in  and  is  a good  gas 
well  from  1 lundred-foot  Sand. 


W.  Stambaugli  Well. 

Armstrong  county,  Pa.  Autliority,  Emmet  Queen. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Condnetor,  wood  15  15 

Fireclay  SO  ‘‘  95 


110  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS 

Shales  40  “ 135 

Ferriferous  lira*  oe  15  150 

Sand  and  shales  105  345 

Seventy-foot  Sand  70  415 

Mountain  Sand  (T'ig  Injun)  280  “ 605 

Shale  and  slate  205  “ 000 

First  Sand  80  080 

Shale  and  slate  30  “ 1010 

/‘Gas’’  Sand,  (Berea)  20  “ 1030 

Slate  and  shale  70  “ 1100 

Hundred-foot  Sand  00  “ 1100 

Slate  and  shale  30  “ 1220 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand  25  “ 1245 

Slate  and  shale  65  “ 1310 

Boulder,  Third  Sand  10  “ 1320 

Slate  and  shale  40  “ 1360 

Third  Sand  30  “ 1300 

Slate  and  shale  80  “ 1470 

Fourth  Sand  16  “ 1486 

Slate  and  shale  60  “ 1546 

Fifth  Sand  12  “ 1558 

Shales  566  “ 2124 

Beaty  Sand,  (Warren)  ' . 20  “ 2144 

Shale  and  slate  202  “ 2436 

Speechley  Sand,  top  broken  and  shaly, 

(Gas)  f..  45  “ 2481 

Slate  and  shale,  to  bottom  180  “ 2661 

iMilt  Claypool  Well. 

/Armstrong  county,  Pa.  Authority,  Emmet  Queen. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor,  wood  8 to  8 

Sand  200  “ 208 

Lower  Kittanning  Coal  4 “ 212 

Slate  and  shale  41  “ 253 

Ferriferous  limestone  20  “ 273 

Sand,  slate  and  shales  227  “ 500 

Seventy-foot  Sand  80  “ 580 

Mountain  Sand,  (Big  Injun)  400  “ 080 

Shales  and  slate  160  “ 1140 

Gas  Sand,  (Berea)  12  “ 1152 

Shales  and  slate  88  “ 1240 

Hundred-foot  Sand  100  “ 1340 

Slate  10  “ 1350 

Thirty-foot  Sand  4/)  “ 1300 

Sand,  slate  and  shale  150  “ 1540 

Third  Sand  (Gordon) 10  “ 1550 

Slate  and  shale  80  “ 1630 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGIC  A I.  SURVEY 


1 


Fonrtli  Sand  80  ‘^1710 

Slate  and  shale  04  1774 

Fifth  Sand  6 1780 

Slate  and  shale  442  2222 

Beaty  Sand,  (Warren)  25  2247 

Slate  and  shale  235  2482 

Tiona  Sand,  (show  of  oil)  7 2480 

Shale  and  slate  72  2501 

Si^eechley  Sand  (this  is  bottom  portion  the 

toj)  Ixiin*]:  broken  with  slate  and  shale) . . 20  2581 

Charles  Redd  Farm  Well. 

Arinstroiig  ct)uiity,  Pa,.  Authority,  Emmet  Queen. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor,  wood  14  to  ]4 

Fireclay,  slate  and  shale  100  “ 120 

Ferriferous  limestone  10  “ 130 

Slate  and  shale 92  212 

Seventy-foot  Sand  93  “ 305 

Slate  and  shale  50  355 

Mountain  Sand,  (Biy  Injun)  245  000 

Slate  and  shale  280  880 

First  Sand  80  ''  900 

Shales  130  1090 

Hundred-foot  Sand,  (Gantz  and  Fifty- 

foot),  (little  gas)  ! . 90  ''  1180 

Slate  and  shale  170  1350 

Third  Sand,  (Gordon)  30  1380 

Slate  and  sliale  70  1450 

Fourth  Sand  10  1400 

Slate  and  shale  70  “ 1530 

Fifth  Sand  8 1541 

Slate  and  shale  500  2110 

Beaty  Sand,  (Warren)  20  2130 

Slate  and  shale  245  2375 

Tiona  Sand  10  2385 

Slate  and  shale  40  2431 

Speechley  Sand  40  2471 

Slate  and  shale  14  ‘‘  2485 

Sand  S 2493 

Slate  and  shale  132  2025 

Sand  10  ‘‘  2035. 

Slate  and  shale,  to  bottom  140  2775 

The  Ferriferous  Limestone  comes  near  the  base  of  the  Alle- 
grheny  Formation,  at  825  to  875  feet  below  the  horizon  of  the 
Fitts burg  coal.  This  Limestone  is  a Key  rock  for  the  Venang'o 
Groap  of  Samis,  in  Butler  and  Armstrongs  counties  of  Pennsyl- 


112 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS 


vania,  just  as  the  Pittsburg  coal  is  for  the  oil  sands  of  West 
Virginia,  and  the  horizon  of  the  latter  stratum  with  reference 
to  any  of  the  strata  in  the.:;e  records  can  be  found  by  adding  850 
feet  for  the  interval  of  the  Ferriferous  limestone  below  the 
Pitts1)urg  coal. 

These  records  show  that  several  oil  and  gas  sands  belong 
in  the  interval  between  the  Bayard  Sand,  and  the  Bradford 
Sand  horizon,  which  have  never  yet  been  iienetrated  by  any 
wells  drilled  in  northern  West  Virginia  except  at  the  one  deep 
well  near  Wheeling.  Of  course,  none  of  these  very  deep  sands 
may  exist  in  Yfest  Virginia  in  good  productive  condition,  but 
still  the  matter  should  be  tested  by  the  drill,  since  all  the  higher 
Pennsylvania  horizons  have  proven  richly  oil  and  gas  bearing  in 
northern  Vfest  Virginia. 

The  most  carefully  kept  oil  well  record  in  Pennsylvania  is 
that  of  the  S.  B.  Phillips  well.  No.  1,  of  the  Woodland  Oil  Com- 
pany, in  the  McDonald  field  of  Allegheny  county.  Through  the 
intelligent  co-operation  of  Mr.  T.  J.  Vandergrift,  the  President 
of  the  V/oodland  Oil  Company,  a sample  of  the  drillings  was 
washed  and  preserved,  every  time  the  tools  were  removed  from 
the  hole,  while  steel  line  measurements  were  made  at  every  im- 
portant change  in  the  character  of  the  rock.  Prom  the  driller’s 
log,  and  the  samples  themselves  a detailed  record  was  made  up 
by  the  writer  and  published  in  full  in  Vol.  I,  pages  214-226, 
West  Virginia  Geological  Survey.  The  record  of  this  well  is 
of  especial  interest,  occurring  as  it  does  in  one  of  the  most 
prolific  oil  pools  ever  discovered  in  the  Appalachian  field,  and 
it  will  be  given  here  in  a summarized  form  as  a standard  for 
comparison  since  it  occurs  only  40  miles  distant  from  the  West 
Virginia  State  line : 

.8.  B.  Phillips  Well,  No.  1. 

McDonald,  Pa.,  oil  field.  Drilled  by  Wally  and  Seybert, 
contractors,  for  the  Woodland  Oil  Company.  T.  J.  Vandergrift, 
President. 

Feet.  Feet. 

SO  to  86 
4 90 


Unrecorded  . . , 
Coal,  Pittsburg 


WEHT  VIUGINTA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  lU} 

Firo  cl{iy  

Gray  sand 

Tdnicstono  . . . 

Liiiio,  shells  and  slate  11  ld() 

Gray  sand 24  ‘‘  154 

Black  slate  5 159 

Gray  sand  and  slate  41  200 

White  slate  19  219 

Ited  rock  39  ‘‘  258 

White  slate  7 265 

Coal,  Elk  Lick,  and  fire  clay.  5 270 

White  slate  35  ‘ ^ 305 

Black  slate  72  377 

White  slate  10  387 

Gray  sand,  soft  72  459 

Black,  red  and  white  slate  16  475 

White  slate  38  513 

Gray  sand  and  slate  16  529 

Black  slate  12  541 

Diinkard  or  Cow  Run  Sand  (Upper  Mahon- 

ini>-)  50  591 

Coal,  Mahoning  7 598 

Wiiite  slate,  rod  slate  and  shells  and  sand.  105  703 

lilack  and  white  slate  61  764 

Coal,  Lower  Freeport 7 771 

White  slate,  lime  and  shells  15  786 

Black  slate  53  839 

Coal,  Upper  Kittanning,  and  slate 7 846 

Fire  clay;  water  6 ''  852 

P)lack  slate  and  (ire  clay  17  869 

Coal,  Middle  Kittanning  3 872 

Black  slate  and  shells 12  884 

Coal,  Lower  Kittanning  and  slate  5 889 

Black  slate  and  shells,  and  sand  34  923 

Black  sand,  haial  14  ‘‘  937 

Black  sand,  soft  15  952 

Coal,  Upper  Clarion,  and  black  slate 5 957  6" 

Gra,y  ami  black  slate,  and  shells 10  967  6" 

Coal,  Lower  Clarion,  and  black  slate 3 970  6" 

Black  slate  and  shells  6 976 

^‘Salt  Sand”,  (I’ottsville)  217  ''  1193 

Black  slate  and  sand  39  ‘‘  1232 

‘‘Eig  Injun”  Sand,  hard 237  1469 

Black  and  white  slate,  sand  and  shells  . . 88  1557 

“Squaw  Sand”  a hard  gray  sand  with 
nine  feet  of  black  slate  near  the 

middle  42  “ 1599 

Black  and  gray  shales,  with  some  sandy 


114 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS 


beds  201  1800 

Sand,  wliite  and  bine,  bard,  (Berea?)  ....  29  1829 

Gray  and  black  shales  77  ‘‘  1906 

Red  rock  14  1920 

Black  slate  and  shells  12  1932 

“Gantz”  Sand,  top  of  ‘‘Hnndred-foot” 

Sand,  hard,  grayish  white. 27  1959 

Slate,  ‘‘break’’  11  “ 1970 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand,  hard,  white  and  gray 
sand,  gas  and  water  at  13  feet  below 

its  top,  no  slaty  layers.  .' 46  “ 2016 

Black  slate  and  shells  79  “ 2095 


Cased  4yg-inch  at  2,023. 

‘Thirty-foot’ ’ Sand,  gray,  hard  ..........  25  “ 2120 

Show  of  oil  at  2,111  “ .... 

Black  slate  27  “ 2147 

“Stray”  and  “Gordon”  Sands,  combined..  63  “ 2210 

A little  gas  at  2,167,  in  upper  gray  portion 
(“Stray”);  more  gas  at  2,188  and 
2,193,  in  lower  white  portion  (“Gor- 
don”)   “ .... 

Black  slate,  with  a thin  “stray”  sand  ....  43  “ 2253 

“Fourth”  Sand,  gray  and  white,  hard  ..20  “ 2273 

Black  slate  and  sand,  hard  38  “ 2311 

“Fifth”  or  “McDonald”  sand,  “pay 
streak”  or  oil  19  feet  below  top,  a 

gray  sand  24  “ 2335 

Black  slate  to  bottom  of  well  at 7 “ 2342 

These  i^eiinsyivaiiia  records,  although  many  miles  distant 
from  the  Mason  and  Dixon  line,  are  yet  very  pertinent  to  the  oil 
and  gas  interests  of  ACest  Virginia  since  they  reveal  the  fact  that 
l)y  deeper  drilling  it  is  posible  to  develop  at  least  two  more  prolific 
horizons  for  either  gas  or  oil  in  the  West  Virginia  fields. 

We  shall  now  give  a few  records  from  the  Pennsylvania 
counties  (Fayette,  Gree]ie  and  Washington)  which  lie  farther 
south  and  adjoin  the  V7est  Virginia  boundary. 

A deep  well  was  drilled  by  the  Fayette  County  Gas  Com- 
{)any  on  the  ’riiompson  farm,  German  township,  Fayette  county. 
Pa.,  which  gave  the  following  succession,  according  to  hlr.  Best, 
Superintendent  of  the  Payette  Company: 


Thornpson  Well,  No.  1. 

Thoilipson  farm,  German  township,  Fayette  county^  Pa. 
Authority,  Fayette  County  Gas  Company. 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUEEVY  115 

Tjiiuestone  8 

Coal  290 

Limestone,  slate  295 

Pittsburg  coal  S40 

Ten-incli  casing  

Sand  624 

Limestone,  slate  ^54 

Coal  861 

Black  sand 864 

Limestone,  slate 904 

Coal  ' 930 

Sand,  hard  and  little  gas  1000 

Lime  slate  1005 

White  sand  1080 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  easing 1100 

Coal  1150 

Sand  and  little  water 1240 

Slate  1300 

Sand,  Salt  with  much  water 1310 

Bottom  of  Salt  sand  1385 

Six  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1410 

Red  rock  and  limestone 1412 

Sand  1535 

Red  rock  1545 

Top  of  Big  Injun  1600 

Top  of  pay  streak  by  steel  line  1736 

By  cable  1707 

A little  oil  1712 

Ijittle  oil  and  water  by  steel  line 1740 

Bottom  of  Big  Injun  1764 

Pour  and  seven-eighths-inch  casing  by  steel 

line  1800 

S(iuaw  Sand  1774 

Slate  1975 

Shell  and  slate 2075 

Cantz  Sand  (very  iiard  and  light  in  color)  by 

steel  line  2179 

By  cable  S140 

Dark  sand  2148 

Eifty-fool  Sand  2200 

Dark  sand  2213 

Sand,  a little  gray  2244 

Slate  2254 

Sand,  hard  and  blue 2259 

Slate  2282 

White  sand  2288 

Slate  and  shells  2317 

Daik  sand  2309 


IIG 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOllDS 


Slate  2375 

Red  rock  2392 

Slate  and  shells 2398 

Red  rock  2403 

Gordon  Sand,  light  gi'ay  and  hard 2412 

Slate  2417 

Sand  2422 

Slate  2428 

Fourth  Sand,  brown 2464 

Red  rock  2467 

Fifth  Sand 2493 

Red  rock  and  shells 2500 

Dark  sand  2592 

Red  rock  2632 

Red  sand  2662 

Slate  2687 

Sand  2700 

Slate  2718 

Bayard  Sand  2748 

Slate  2803 

Elizabeth  Sand  by  steel  line 2850 

By  cable 2808 

Slate  2819 

Bottom  of  hole  by  steel  line 2907 


The  identifications  of  the  Gantz,  Gordon,  Fourth  and  Fifth 
Sands  are  as  g:iven  by  the  driller’s  log,  and  may  not  be  correct 
in  all  cases,  but  the  Bayard  sand  struck  at  2,408  feet  below  the 
Pittsburg  coal  would  appear  to  be  correctly  placed,  as  also  the 
Elizabeth  Sand,  100  feet  lower.  This  record  is  instructive  as 
showing  the  difference  between  the  usual  cable  measurements, 
and  the  more  accurate  steel  line  determinations,  the  latter  being 
always  80  to  40  feet  greater. 

In  Washington  county,  and  one-half  mile  east  from  Bealls- 
ville,  near  the  old  National  Pike,  the  record  of  a well  drilled  on 
th«  land  of  J.  M.  Miller  by  the  Payette  County  Gas  Company 
was  kept  with  much  detail.  It  reads  as  follows,  according  to 
Mr.  Jos.  W.  Craig,  Vice  President  of  the  Company: 

J.  M.  Miller  Well,  No.  1. 

Beallsville,  AVashington  county.  Pa. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Surface  10  to  10 

Slate  7 17 

Lime  12  29 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


J17 


SI  al  e 

15 

{ i 

44 

Sand  

10 

( ( 

54 

Slnte  

26 

C ( 

80 

Lime  

15 

( ( 

95 

Slate  

10 

( ( 

105 

[jime  

55 

( ( 

160 

Slate  

5 

( i 

165 

Lime  

68 

C i 

233 

Slate  

15 

i i 

248 

Lime  

24 

i i 

272 

Slate  

IS 

i ( 

290 

Lime  

10 

i ( 

. 300 

Sand  

55 

i ( 

355 

Coal,  Pittsburg 

o 

i ( 

357 

Slate  

8 

( i 

365 

Lime  

5 

i 1 

370 

Black  slate 

6 

( ( 

376 

Lime  

44 

i ( 

420 

Slate  

20 

i i 

440 

Lime  

10 

( ( 

450 

Slate  

10 

{ t 

460 

Red  rock  

25 

i ( 

485 

Lime  

15 

( ( 

500 

Red  rock 

34 

i ( 

534 

Tame  

28 

i ( 

562 

Sand  

38 

( i 

600 

Lime  

12 

i i 

612 

Slate  

15 

C i 

627 

Lime  

21 

i ( 

648 

Red  rock  

20 

( ( 

668 

Lime  .' 

12 

( i 

680 

Tjime  

10 

( c 

690 

Red  rock 

10 

( ( 

700 

Slate  

15 

( ( 

715 

Lime  

10 

( i 

725 

Slate  

13 

i i 

738 

Lime  

17 

( i 

755 

Sand  

30 

( ( 

785 

Lime  

10 

( ( 

795 

Slate  

10 

( ( 

805 

Sand  

25 

i ( 

830 

Lime  

28 

i i 

858 

Slate  

( i 

885 

Red  rock  

10 

( ( 

895 

Slate  

i ( 

920 

Sand  

33 

( { 

953 

Slate  

0, 

( i 

955 

118  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS 

Slate  10  1000 

Lime  15  1015 

Slate  5 ‘‘  1020 

Lime  10  ^M030 

Sand  50  1080 

C^al  (U.  Kittanning?) 5 ‘‘1085 

Slate  55  “ 1140 

Lime  20  “ 1160 

Sand  60  “ 1220 

Slate  5 “ 1225 

Sand  25  “ 1250 

Slate  70  “ 1320 

Time  20  “ 1340 

Slate  5 “ 1345 

Lime  50  “ 1395 

Sand  15  “ 1410 

Slate  4 “ 1414 

mik!  sand 26  “ 1440 

Black  sand  20  “ 1460 

Slate  10  “ 1470 

Lime  10  “ 1480 

Red  rock  10  “ 1490 

Lime,  red  32  “ 1522 

Lime,  \\diite  (“Big’’) 53  “ 1575 

Rij?  Tnjnn  Sand  276  “ 1851 

Slate  44  “ 1895 

Sand  105  “ 2000 

Slate  90  “ 2090 

Lime  20  “ 2110 

Slat«  19  “ 2129 

Lime  21  “ 2150 

Slate  10  “ 2160 

Shells  and  slate  ....  30  “ 2190 

(Berea?)  Sand 15  “ 2205 

Red  rock  5 “ 2210 

Shells  and  slate 50  “ 2260 

Gantz  Sand  19  “ 2279 

Slate  25  “ 2304 

Fifty-foot  Sand 25  “ 2329 

Slate  16  “ 2345 

Sand  25  “ 2370 

Slate  35  “ 2405 

Sand  (“Thirty-f(n)t”) 20  “ 2425 

Slate  25  “ 2450 

Red  rock 10  “ 2460 

Shells  and  slate 22  “ 2482 

Sand  (Gordon)  21  “ 2503 

Red  rock  49  “ 2552 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  lU) 


SMiid  (‘‘Fourth’’)  30 

Slate  FS 

Sand  14 

Shite,  sand  and  shellB 70 

Fifth  Sand 15 

Slate  25 

Sand  25 

Slate  10 

Sand  (Bayard)  15 

Slate,  sand  and  shells 410 

Conductor 15 

Ten-inch  casing 414 

Eight-inch  casing  85(S 

Six  and  one-half-inch  casing 1470 


“ 2588  Gas  at  2504 
“ 2606 
“ 2620 
“ 2690 
“ 2705 
“ 2730 
“ 2755 
“ 2765 
“ 2790 

“ 3200  A little  gas  3085 


Well  tubed  with  4-inch  tubing.  Test  first  minute  in  4-inch  281 
pounds.  Rock  pressure  after  being  shut  in  for  20  days  870  pounds. 

The  Pittshicrg  coal  appears  to  have  been  quite  thin  in  this 
well  according  to  the  driller’s  record,  but  this  is  probably  only  a 
local  ‘‘roll.”  The  sand  at  2,190'  is  doubtfully  referred  to  the 
horizon  of  the  Berea  and  it  may  possibly  represent  the  Gantz. 
The  record  is  interesting  as  showing  the  presence  of  the  Catskill 
red  'beds  above  the  horizon  of  the  Gantz  Sand,  the  uppermost 
member  of  the  Venango  Oil  Sand  Group.  The  principal  flow  of 


gas  was  found  in  the  “Fourth”  Sand. 


About  10  miles  west  from  Beallsville,  and  just  west  from 
Washington,  a well  has  been  drilled  through  the  McDonald  Sand 
on  the  land  of  Robert  Wiley  which  gives  the  following  results: 


Roheid  Wiley,  Well  No.  1. 


On  the  farm  of  Robert  W^iley,  one  mile  and  a half  west 
from  Washington,  Pa.,  Larkin  and  Townsell,  authority. 

Feet. 


Pittsbui'g  Coal  519 

Salt  watei-  at 1500 

Fifty-foot  Sand,  top. 2360 

Cas,  fair,  flow  at.  ...  2365 

Bottom  Fifty-foot  Sand  2410 

Top  of  Stray  and  Gord<  n Sand  (gas  at  2570') 2560 

Bottom  of  Stray  and  Gordon  Sands 2640 

Top  Fourth  Sand  2670 

Bottom  Fourth  Sand 2688 

Top  Fifth  Sand 2737 

Bottom  Fifth  Sand 2753 

Bottom  of  well 2774 


120 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  liECOllDS 


Til  is  record  exhibits  the  westward  thinning  of  the  intervals 
between  important  strata,  a feature  everywhere  common  in  the 
Appalachian  region. 

Two  important  oil  sands  in  the  Venango  Groiii)  received 
naijies  from  the  region  of  Washington,  Pa.,  viz.:  the  Gantz 
Sand,  and  the  Gordon  Sand.  The  former  is  found  at  a distance 
of  1,800  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  700  feet  under  the 
top  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  while  the  Gordon  Sand  belongs  about 
2,100  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal  on  the  Gordon  farm,  just  west 
from  Washington,  Pa.,  where  the  succession  was  as  follows  in 
the  first  weU  on  the  Gordon  farm,  according  to  the  late  A.  J. 
Montgomery,  who  sent  me  the  following  record: 

Gordon  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Unrecorded  

2113 

Gantz  Sand,  brown 

22 

to  2135 

Slate  and  sand 

20 

i ( 

2155 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand,  white 

51 

( ( 

2206 

Red,  sandv  shale 

5 

( ( 

2211 

Dark  shales 

107 

i i 

2318 

Sand,  ^ ^ Gordon  Stray,  ’ ’ gray 

26 

( ( 

2344 

Sand,  Gordon,  yellowish,  white  to  bottom  of 

hole  

56 

( 1 

2400 

As  will  be  observed  from  this  record  the  Gordon  Sand  (in- 
cluding its  top  or  “Stray”  member)  is  a thick  stratum  at  its 
type  locality,  and  this  it  maintains  southward  into  West  Virginia. 

The  red  beds  immediately  under  the  “Fifty-foot”  Sand 
mark  a distinct  stratigraphic  horizon  which  can  be  followed  as 
far  southwest  across  West  Virginia  as  the  Little  Kanawha  river, 
beyond  which  they  appear  to  fade  aivay. 

In  Greene  county.  Pa.,  just  west  from  Payette  and  adjoin- 
ing the  line  of  Monongalia  county.  West  Virginia,  many  wells 
have  been  drilled  for  both  gas  and  oil,  and  a few  of  these  records 
will  ])rove  instructive.  One  of  tliese  on  the  Mary  A.  Purnian 
farm,  about  two  miles  northeast  from  Waynesburg,  was  drilled 
by  the  Chartiers  Oil  Company,  Jos.  W.  Craig,  President,  and  its 
record  reads  as  follows: 


WEST  VllUaNIA  (JEOLOGK^.AL  SURVEY 


121 


Mary  .1.  Pwniian  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

rondiH'toT  14 

PiHsbnri';'  (\)al  680 

(Cased  10"  at  710  ft.)  ((bised  81/4"  at  1500  1‘t.) 

Salt  Sand,  toji  (Water  at  1772  ft.) 1590 

Sail  Sand,  bottom  (Cased  0%"  at  1830') . . . 1772 

Ibi’’  Lime 80  to  1900 

Li's?  Injun  Sand  280  ‘‘2180 

Unrecorded  435  “ 2015 

Fifty-foot  Sand 25  “ 2040 

Unrecorded 120  “ 2700 

Gordon  Sand  20  “ 2780 

Unrecorded  0 “ 2780 

Fourth  Sand  2780 

Unrecorded 164  “ 2950 

Fifth  Sand  20  “ 2970 

Unrecorded  150  “ 3120 

Bayard  Sand  (Gas  at  3135') 20  “ 3140 

Unrecorded 105  “ 3245 

Elizabeth  Sand  and  gas  at 3245 

Total  depth  3200 


On  Casteel  Run,  eight  miles  northeast  from  Waynesburg, 
several  wells  have  been  drilled  to  the  Bayard,  and  lower  sands. 
One  of  these  on  the  Strickler  farm  gives  the  following  succession 
according  to  the  Cai-negie  Natural  Gas  Company : 

Dernpsey  StricJder  Well  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Waynesburg  Coal  at 05 

Pittsburg  Coal  at 413 

Unrecorded 1287  to  1700 

Big  Injun  Sand 240  “ 1940 

Unrecorded  400  “ 2400 

Fifty-foot  Sand 00  “ 2400 

Unrecorded 300  “ 2700 

! Fifth  Sand  0 “ 2700 

> Unrecorded  04  “ 2830 

Bayard  Sand_ 10  “ 2840 

Unrecorded  to  bottom  of  well 104  “ 3004 


'Fhe  Bayard  Band  was  named  from  the  faian  of  Thojnas 
Bayard,  about  four  miles  southeast  from  Waynesburg,  Pa.,  where 
a very  large  gas  well  was  obtained  in  it  ])y  the  Carnegie  Natural 
Gfiy  Com])any.  Tlie  record  of  this  Bayard  well,  as  furnished  by 
Ml*.  N.  Johnson,  Superintendent  of  the  Carnegie  Natural  Gas 
Company,  reads  as  follows: 


122 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS 


Thomas  Bayard  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded 555  to  555 

Pittsburg-  Coal  at 555 

tnirecf'rded 1245  1800 

Rig  Tnjiin  Sand 300  2100 

Unrecorded  370  2470 

Uantz  Sand 40  ‘‘2510 

Unrecorded  5 “ 2515 

“Fifty-fcoU’ Sand 65  “ 2580 

Uniecorded  135  “ 2715 

Gordon  Sand 35  “ 2730 

Ihi recorded  20  “ 2750 

“FonrtlU’ Sand ! 20  “ 2770 

Unrecorded  65  “ 2835 

“FiftlU’  Sand 10  “ 284,5 

Unrecorded  115  “ 2960 

Bayard  Sand  to  bottom  (gas) 5 “ 2965 


3 0"  Casing,  470';  8"  Casing,  1160'.  Packed  well  with 
4"  tnbing. 

“Very  large  gfis  well  at  2,960  feet,  and  could  driU  only 
live  feet  into  the  sand.”  “Rock  pressure  1,100  pounds  to  the 
s(tnare  inch.” 

As  will  be  observed  from  the  record,  the  top  of  the  Bayard 
Hand  comes  2,405  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  115  feet  below 
the  B^ifth,  or  IMcPonald  Sand,  and  490  feet  below  the  top  of  the 
Gantz  Sand. 

Several  miles  southwest  from  Waynesbnrg,  on  the  land  of 
Felix  Bell,  Wayne  township,  and  only  two  miles  from  the  West 
Virginia  line,  the  Fort  Pitt  Gas  Company  found  a large  gas 
well  in  the  McDonald  or  Fifth  Sand.  The  record  of  this  well 
was  kept  with  much  detail  and  is  as  follows,  according  to  Mr. 
Jos.  AV.  Craig,  President  of  the  Fort  Pitt  Gas  Company: 

Felix  Bell  Well,  No.  1. 

•Feet.  Feet. 


Cendretor 9 to  9 

TTnroc' rded  (13"  ca^BTig,  1731/2')  266  “ 275 

“P>lnff^’  Rand  (AVaynesbnrg)  water 45  “ 320 

Mt.  Moriis  (\>al  (Waynesbnrg)  320 

Uni-ecorded  ! 250  “ 570 

C('a].  Mapletown  (Rewickley) 570 

Unrecorded ‘ 95  “ 665 

Coal,  Pitts])ni-g 665 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  12:? 

(Tiirccorded  ( 10"  Casin^^■  at  085') 20  085 

Tjiiric  and  slate 00  “ 775 

Red  eavo  10  785 

Slate  and  sliells 00  “ 875 

Sand,  dark  25  ''  000 

Slate 20  020 

Red  eave  40  000 

Slate 30  000 

Sand,  dark  ^ra 3^  15  1005 

r oal  Blosscm .... 

Slate 35  1040 

Red  eave  20  1000 

Slate  and  shell 05  ‘‘  1155 

Red  eave 10  1105 

Sand,  .ea'ay  55  1220 

Coal  blossom  (Upper  Freeport) “ 

Slate 25  1245 

Sand,  lis-ht  jjra^^  (water  at  1370') 130  1375  * 

Slate  and  shell  (81/4"  easina;  at  1382') 25  1400 

Sand.  Ihdit  c:rav  (water  3 bailers  an  hour  at 

1430' . .50  1450 

Slate  and  bme 25  1475 

Sand,  white  (hole  fnll  of  water  at  1525') ....  70  151-5 

Slate  45  1500 

Sand,  white 25  1615 

Slate 10  1025 

Sand  and  lime,  blaek 20  ‘‘  1045 

Sand,  white 30  10U5 

Slate 5 ‘M6°0 

Sand,  dark  i>’rav  (0%"  easin^j'  at  1700') 70  1750 

Red  eave  .....' ...70  1820 

Slate  and  shell 40  1800 

''Bip''  Lime 05  ''  1025 

‘‘Keener”  Sand,  jc^as 20  “ 1045 

“Bi,i>:  Injnn”  Sand,  white  and  ^vav 50  “ 1005 

Slate * 20  “2015 

Sand,  ^ray  (bottom  of  “Bip:  Tnjnn”) 70  “ 2085 

Five  and  thi'ee-sixteenth-ineh  easing  at  2070'. 

Slate 5 “ 2000 

Sand  gray 110  “ 2200 

Slate  and  shell 00  “ 2200 

Sand,  blaek 5 “ 2205 

•Slate  and  shell 145  “ 2430 

Sand,  blaek 15  ‘‘  2445 

Slate  and  shells 15  “ 2400 

Sand,  dark  gray  (“Gantz”) 35  “ 2405 

Slate  and  shell 130  “ 2025 

Sand,  gray  (“Fifty-foot) 25  “ 2050 


121 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS 


Slate  

Sand,  brown 

Slate  

Sand,  pink 

Shelly 

Sand,  gray  (^‘Sti'ay”) 
Shite  and  shell 


Sand,  oTay 


Slate  

Sand,  white  . . . 
Slate  and  shell 
Sand,  dark  . . . 
Slate  and  shell 
Sand,  brown  . , 
Slate  and  shell 
Sand,  pink  ... 


Slate 


10' 

3' 

oo' 


5 

8 

4 

18 

45 

30 

10 

{^‘Gordon’’)..  35 

20 


20 

5 

10 

5 

2 


Gas 


Sand,  dark  gray  (‘^Fourth”) 

Slate  and  shell 

Shells 

Sand,  dark  

Red  slate  and  shells 


Sand,  gray^ 
Slate  . . . . , 
Sand,  dark 
Slate  . . . . , 
Sand,  dark 


IG  \ 


12 

10 

3 


McDonald  or 
Fifth  Sand 
^(Gas  at  3001') . . 


Slate  3 

Sand  (small  pebbles).  15 
Total  depth  


13 

29 

6 

10 

17 


61 


2655 
2663 
2667 
2685 
‘‘  2730 
2760 
‘‘  2770 

2805 


‘‘  2830 
2850 
2855 
2865 
''  2870 
2872 

( ( 

2885 
2914 
2920 
2930 
‘‘  2947 


3008 


3008 


The  thickness  ef  the  Venango  Oil  Sand  Group  in  this  well 
from  the  top  of  the  ‘‘Gantz”  to  the  bottom  of  the  ‘‘Fourth” 
is  425  feet,  and  to  the  bottom  of  the  “Fifth”  Sand  is  548  feet, 
the  McDonald  Sand  being  unusually  thick  (61  feet)  A heavy 
flow  of  gas  was  struck  at  3,001  feet,  or  2,336  feet  below  the 
Pittsburg  coal,  with  “rock  })ressure”  of  more  than  900  pounds 
to  the  S({uare  inch.  • 

About  two  miles  north  from  the  Felix  Bell  well,  two  others 
were  drilled  fm  gas  by  the  same  com})any  (Fort  Pitt)  on  the 
land  of  the  Kuhn  heirs.  No.  1 is  a very  deep  well,  and  its 
record  is  as  follovv^s,  according  to  Mr.  Jos.  W.  Craig: 


WEST  VTllGTNTA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


25 


Lewis  Kuhn  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Unrecorded 

750 

to 

750 

Coal,  Pittsburg 

750 

Unrecorded 

370 

( ( 

1120 

Dnnkard  Sand 

30 

i i 

1150 

Unrecorded  

470 

c l 

1620 

Salt  Sand  

147 

( ( 

1767 

Unrecorded 

239 

i i 

2026 

Big  Injun  Sand 

174 

( i 

2200 

LTnrecorded 

516 

( ( 

2716 

‘‘Fifty-foot”  Sand 

( { 

Unrecorded  

215 

( ( 

2931 

“Gordon  (more  xu’obably  “Fourth” 

Sand)  . . 

Unrecorded  

117 

i ( 

304S 

Fifth  Sand  (Gas  3052  and  3092)... 

52 

i i 

3100 

Unrecorded  ' 

150 

i i 

3250 

Hard,  limy  sand  

300 

i ( 

3550 

Soft  and  red  shale 

5 

i i 

3555 

Sandy  lime  

20 

i c 

3575 

Soft  slate  

15 

i i 

3590 

Sandy  lime 

60 

i i 

3650 

Sand,  white  (Siieechley  ?)  

( i 

3665 

Soft  slate  

10 

( i 

3675 

Sandy  lime  to  bottom 

105 

i i 

3780 

The  sand  Htruck  in  this  well  at  3,1)50  feet,  or  2,900  feet  below 
the  Pittsburg  coal  is  near  the  horizon  of  the  Si)eecliley  sand  of 
Butler,  Arnisti’ong,  and  other  Pennsylvania  eoun'ties  farther 
north,  and  its  presence  here  in  the  only  well  that  has  been  drilled 
through  this  horizon  in  Breene  county,  would  lead  to  the  con- 
elnsion  that  with  more  tests,  it  iiiight  prove  oil  and  gas  bearing 
in  many  portions  of  West  Virginia. 

The  Lewis  Kuhn  Heirs’  well.  No.  2,  lies  west  fr*oni  No.  1, 
and  shows  tlie  following  succession,  nccording  to  MT.  Jos.  W. 
Craig,  of  the  Fort  Ihtt  Cas  Comj)any : 


Lewis  Kuhn  Heirs’  Well,  No.  2. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

955 

Dnnkard  Sand 

1358 

to 

1400 

Gas  Sand  

1754 

i ( 

1790 

Salt  Sand  

1815 

( ( 

1965 

Red  rock  

1980 

( ( 

2030 

Lime  and  slate 

2030 

i i 

2170 

“Big”  Lime  

2170 

( ( 

2235 

OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS 


r2r, 


Big  Injun 2235  2495 

‘^Fifty-foot’’  Sanl  2910  “ 2965 

Fifth  Sand  (gas  3^73') 3225  “ 3290 

Total  depth 3298 


Minute  pressure,  200  pounds  in  3-inch  tubing. 

Rock  pressure,  920  pounds. 

About  three  miles  southwest  from  the  Kuhn  Heirs’  land, 
some  good  gas  wells  have  been  found  in  the  Big  Injun  Sand 
near  the  West  Virginia-Pennsylvania  line  in  Greene  county,  and 
tlie  record  of  one  of  theae  on  the  farm  of  Jacob  Simpson,  two 
miles  east  of  Jollytown,  reads  as  follows,  according  to  the  Hope 
Natural  Gas  Company : 

Jacob  Simpson  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

“Bluff”  (Waynesburg)  Sand 300  “ 355 

Mapletown  (Sewickley)  Coal  620 

Pittsburg  Coal 703  “ 710 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1130  “ 1170 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 1210  “ 1270 

Cias  Sand 1420  “ 1500 

Salt  Sand  .....1560  “ 1733 

Red  rock  . .1803 

Big  Lime  1929  “ 1965 

Big  Injun  Sand  1965 

Gas  at  2062 

Gas,  second  pay  2067  ' 

Total  depth  2073 


“Seven  hundred  pounds  rock  pressure.” 

The  rock  pressure  of  the  “Big  Injun”  Sand  gas  in  the 
vicinity  of  Blacksville,  five  miles  east  from  the  Simpson  well 
where  the  top  of  this  sand  lies  approximately  200  feet  higher, 
was  600  pounds  when  the  pool  was  first  opened,  or  100  pounds 
less  than  in  the  Simpson  well. 

Some  large  gas  wells  have  been  drilled  around  Jollytown, 
Greene  county,  near  the  West  Virginia  line.  These  wells  g(ff 
their  gas  mostly  in  the  Fifth,  or  McDonald  Sand.  One  of  these 
wells  on  the  Ij.  IL  & S.  S.  Clovis  farm,  two  miles  northeast 
from  Jollytown,  had  the  following  record,  according  to  the  F-  rt 
Pitt  Gas  Company: 


WEST  VIIUJINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SIJliVEY 


127 


L.  B.  (0  S.  S.  Clovis  Well  No.  1. 
Gilmore  township,  Greene  county,  Pa. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Bluff  (Waynesburg)  Sand.. 375  440 

Pittsburg  Coal  7S5 

Salt  water  at ..  IbSO 

Big  Injun  Sand ....20G0  “■  232f 

Gantz  Sand  2640 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2764  2820 

Red  beds 2850  2870 

Fifth  Sand,  gas 3068  3100 

Bayard  Sand  3130  3160 

Elizabeth  Sand  3278 


‘‘No  definite  formation  of  Elizabeth  Sand.’’ 

About  three  miles  west  from  Jollytown,  a well  was  bored  by 
the  Philadelphia  Company  on  the  land  of  Salathiel  Lemmon, 
the  record  of  which  reads  as  follows : 

Salathiel  Lemmon  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Waynesburg  Coal  450  to  455 

Mapletown  (Sewickley)  Coal  704  “ 710 

Pitts])urg  Coal 817  “ 826 

“Murphy”  Sand  (Morgantown)  950  “ 980 

Little  Diinkard  Sand 1330  ” 1390 

Gas  Sand  1485  “ 1585 

Salt  Sand  1635  “ 1740 

“Big”  Lime  2035  “ 2100 

Big  Injun  Sand 2100  “ 2340 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2850  “ 2875 

Gordon  (Stray)  2900  “ 2920 

Gordon  Sand  2930  “ 2938 

Fourth  Sand  (Show  oil  3031) 3005  “ 3047 

Slate  3047  “ 3477 


These  were  all  cable  measurements,  and  are,  therefore,  not 
strictly  accurate.  The  Fifth  and  Bayard  Sands  both  appear  to 
have  been  absent  in  this  boring. 

In  this  record  the  driller  has  given  the  name  “Murphy” 
Sand  to  the  stratum  which  comes  at  the  horizon  of  the  Morgan- 
town sandstone. 

About  five  miles  west  from  the  Lemmon  well,  and  near  Deep 
Valley,  Greene  county,  the  Silas  Barnhart  well.  No.  1,  drilled  by 
Mr.  Charles  Tague,  gives  the  following  succession: 


128 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOllDS 


Silas 

Barnhart  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Wood  conductor  . 

10 

Mapletown  (Scwic 

kley)  Coal 1284 

to 

1288 

Pittsburg  Coal  . . . 

1338 

( ( 

1344 

“Murphy”  Sand 

1508 

( ( 

1590 

Dnnkard  Sand  . . . 

1740 

i i 

1800 

Gas  Sand  

2090 

i i 

2195 

Salt  Sand  

2255 

C ( 

2375 

Maxton  Sand  .... 

2435 

i i 

2500 

Pencil  Cave  

2500 

( i 

2500 

Big  Lime 

2500 

( ( 

2585 

Big  Injun  Sand  . . 

2585 

{ ( 

2880 

Fifty-foot  Sand  . 

3318 

i ( 

3358 

Gordon  Sand  .... 

3380 

( i 

3398 

First  Oil 

Total  depth  

3398 

This  well  starts  on  top  of  the  Gilmore  Sandstone  of  the 
Bnuhard  Formation,  and  it,  therefore,  gives  a vertical  measure- 
ment from  that  stratum  down  to  the  Pittsburg  Coal,  as  well  as  tht^ 
base  of  the  Dnnkard  beds,  aiiont  300  feet  higher. 

The  sand  called  the  Gordon”  throughout  this  district,  oc- 
curs at  only  about  2050  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  hence 
may  be  the  upper  or  “Stray”  member  of  that  sand  horizon. 

About  one-half  mile  northwest  from  the  Barnhart  well,  the 
South  Penn  Oil  Company  has  drilled  a well  on  the  Rossell-Sam- 
mons  farm  through  the  Fifth,  or  McDonald  Sand,  which  gives 
the  following  succession: 

Kossell-Sammons  Well,  No.  2. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1233 

“Murphy”  (Morgantown)  Sand  1444  to  1404 

Dnnkard  Sand  1753  “ 17S3 

“Gas”  Sand  1953  “ 1983 

Maxton  Sand  2351  “ 2381 

Pencil  Cave  2381  2380 

Big  Lime 2380  “ 2448 

Big  Injun  Sand 2448  “ 2738 

Gantz  Sand  3047  “ 3055 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand 3204  “ 3249 

Gordon  Sand  3289y^“  3330 

Dry  in  Gordon.- 

Donrth  Sand  (show  oil  at  3389) 3384  “ 3410 

Fifth  Sand  3454  “ 3455 


WEST  VIIIGTNIA  GEOLOGICAL  STTllVEY 


129 


Total  3478 

( Kive-bai'i  c4  tvell  in  EoiuHi  Sand.) 

As  tuny  be  s(‘en  from  tliis  record,  the  interval  Itetween  the 

Pittsbursr  coal  and  the  Fifth,  or  McDonald,  Oil  Sand  has  chv 
decreased  about  100  feet  in  itassino-  northwestward  15  miles  from 
the  Felix  Bell  well  on  Hoover’s  rnn,  as  o^iven  on  a previous  page. 

About  two  miles  northwest  from  the  Sammons  well  and  one 
ai:d  a half  southwest  from  Aleppo  Postoffice  the  No.  2 well  on  J. 
J.  S.  ]\Ioore  gave  the  following  succession,  according  to  the  South 
Penn  Oil  Company : 

J.  J.  8.  Moore  Well,  No.  2. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1030 

‘‘Murphy”  (Morgantown)  Sand 1215 

Dunkard  Sand 1575  to  1600 

“Gas”  Sand  1720 

Salt  Sand  1943  “ 2073 

“Little”  Lime  2140  “ 2190 

“Big”  Lime  2198  “ 2254 

Big  Injnn  Sand  2254  “ 2478 

Gantz  Sand  2821  “ 2867 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  29()0  “ 3087 

Fourth  Sand  3138  “ 3154 

Fifth  Sand  3253  “ 3263 

Sand  (Bayardf)  3300  “ 3303 

Total  depth  3343 

(Dry) 


Here  the  Coi’don  Sand  apj)ears  to  be  wanting  unless  the  up- 
per porticn  of  the  Fourth  8a)i(l  should  be  regarded  as  a lowei* 
(t  or  (I  on  horizon.. 

On  the  ¥.  A.  Cover  faini,  thi*ee  and  one-half  miles  south- 
west from  New  Freeport,  and  near  the  West  Virginia-Pennsyl- 
vinia  line,  the  South  Penn  Oil  Company  reixnds  the  following 
succession  in  Well  No.  3: 

F.  A.  (lover  Well,  No.  3. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Biltshurg  Coal 1070 

Dunkai-d  Sand 1535  to  1555 

Salt  Sand  (gas  at  2035') 2004  “ 2095 

“Big”  Lime  2240  “ 2288 

Big  Injun  Sand 2288  “ 2560 

Gantz  Sand  2891 

“Fifty-foot”  Sami 3048  “ 3103 


130  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  llECOHDS 

• 

Gordon  Sand  ‘ 31271/2^^  3150 

Fifth  Sand  (gas  at  3303') 3297  3309 

Sand  (Bayard?)  3343  3360 

Sand  and  shells  to  3466 


The  sand  reported  at  3343'  to  3360'  may  possibly  represent 
the  Bayard  horizon.  It  is  the  same  one  as  that  struck  in  the  J.  J. 
S.  Moore  No.  2 at  3300  feet. 

To  show  the  persistence  of  the  Venango  Oil  Sand  Group,  we 
give  here  the  records  of  tw'O  wells  in  northern  Greene  county, 
near  Nineveh,  25  miles  distant  from  the  Gover  farm.  These  rec- 
ords are  as  given  to  the  late  Mr.  John  F.  Carll,  by  Mr.  John 
Worthington,  and  published  in  Report  1-5,  Second  Geological 
Survey  of  Pennsylvania,  pages  308-311 : 

Smith  Well,  No.  3. 

Located  on  the  John  H.  Smith  farm,  Morris  township, 
Greene  county.  Pa.,  about  one  mile  north  54°  west  of  Nineveh. 
Owners,  The  Nineveh  Petroleum  Company.  Authority:  John 
Worthington,  Manager. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  18  to  18 

SS.,  shelly  25  43 

Limestone  22  65 

SS • 25  90 

Coal,  Nineveh’’  2 92 

Slate  and  limestone  63  155 

Coal  1 156 

Shale  and  limestone 40  196 

Slate  25  221 

Sand  shells,  slate  and  limestone 79  300 

Slate,  sand,  shells  and  limestone 240  540 

SS 40  ''  580 

Coal,  Waynesburg”  4 584 

Fire  clay  and  slate 15  599 

Slate,  sand,  shells  and  limestone 240  839 

Slate  20  ''  859 

SS 21  ''  880 

Coal,  ‘‘Pittsburg”  6 “ 886 

Shale  15  “ 901 

Limestone  and  shale 88  “ 989 

SS 25  “ 1014 

Red  rock 15  “ 1029 

Limestone  and  shale 25  “ 1054 

SS 65  “ 1119 

Slate  5 “ 1124 


WKST  VllUUlslA  GEOLOGICAL  bUUVEY 


r^i 


lu'd  rock  

10 

1 1 

1134 

Ihmestoue  niul  rand  i^diells 

20 

1 1 

1154 

Slate  

5 

i i 

1159 

Ihmestonc  

10 

1 i 

1160 

SS 

20 

C i 

1189 

Red  roc'k  

i ( 

1209 

Jhmestoiie  

10 

i i 

1219 

SS 

IS 

i < 

1237 

Slate  

20 

( < 

1257 

SS 

20 

i ( 

1277 

Slate  

60 

( ( 

1337 

Sand  shclirf  and  slate  

30 

i 1 

1367 

SS.,  “Mahoning^'  

30 

i ( 

1397 

Slate  

10 

( ( 

1407 

SS 

70 

i i 

1477 

Sla^e  and  sand  shells 

100 

< < 

1577 

SS 

15 

( ( 

1592 

Slate  

35 

i t 

1627 

SS 

50 

( c 

1677 

Slate  

25 

( t 

1702 

Limeotone,  fire  clay  and  shale 

83 

i ( 

1785 

Slate  

5 

( ( 

1790 

SS.,  bliush-giay 

85 

( t 

1875 

SS.,  white  

80 

< t 

1955 

SS.,  biuisli-gray  

15 

( t 

1970 

Slate  

40 

< ( 

2010 

Limestone  and  sand  shells 

55 

( i 

2065 

SS.,  “Big  Injun 

2S0 

< i 

2345 

Slate  

310 

i 1 

2655 

SS.,  fine,  bluish-grav,  “Gant?/'  .... 

40 

( 1 

2695 

Sand  siiells 

( 1 

2745 

Slate  

60 

t 

2^05 

SS 

8 

i i 

2813 

Slate  

27 

4 1 

2840 

SS 

30 

4 4 

2S70 

Slate  

4 i 

2935 

SS.,  “Goi'don"  

35 

4 1 

2970 

Sand 


‘ Three 
} } 


liuiidred  and  ten  bai  l el  well  at  20  I'eet  in  the  Gordon 


Auld  Well, 

Located  on  tlie  Hugh  Auld  farm,  about  two  miles  north  15^ 
west  of  Nineveh,  i^lorris  township,  Greene  county,  Pa.  Owners, 
the  Nineveh  i^droleuin  Company.  Authority:  John  vVorthing- 
ton,  iManager. 

Feet.  Foet. 

? 5(i0  to  fiGO 


C'oal,  “ Wayne.sbur; 


»G4 


132 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IIECOKDS 


? 302  ‘‘  cSGG 

(\>al,  ‘‘Pitts1)nrg'”  G ‘‘  872 

? 1128  2000 

l amest  one  GO  20G0 

SS.,  Rio' Injun,  Upper”  (gas  at  2080') . . 8C  2140 

Slate  ' ' 80  2220 

SS 8 2228 

Slate  4 2232 

Shells  and  slate 178  ‘‘  2410 

Slate  170  2580 

SS 10  2590 

Slate  35  2G25 

SS.,  ^Ulantz  and  Fifty-foot” 80  2705 

Slate  ; 45  2750 

Red  roek  10  27G0 

Slate  70  2830 

SS.,  white  (^‘Thirty-foot”)  10  “ 2840 

SS.,  red 30  “ 2870 

Slate  40  “ 2910 

SS.,  “Gordon”  29  “ 2939 

Slate  11  “ 2950 

Red  rocdv 20  “ 2970 

Shale  20  “ 2990 

Slate 10  “ 3000 

SS.,  “Fourth  Sand”  (large  quantity  salt 

water) 11  “ 3011 

Unproductive. 


The  Oil  Sand  struck'  at  2935  feet  in  the  Smith  well,  2049 
feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  by  Mr.  Worthington,  in  July  1888, 
was  identified  by  him  as  the  Gordon  Sand  of  Washington  county 
to  the  north,  and  has  ever  since  been  so  designated  by  the  oil  fra- 
ternity, having  proved  productive  of  oil  and  gas  in  a nearly  con- 
tinuous belt  from  Nineveh  scuthwestward  into  Wetzel  and  other 
counties  of  West  Virginia  for  a distance  of  50  to  60  miles  or  more. 

Mr.  Worthington  and  others  (the  writer  included)  have  some 
times  thought  it  i)ossible  that  this  very  i)roductive  oil  horizon  of 
the  New  Freeport  district  in  Greene  county  might  not  represent 
the  Gordin  iSand  of  Washington,  but  possibly  the  “Thirty-foot” 
Sand  Ijetween  it  and  the  “Fifty-foot”  horizon.  But  this  infer- 
ence is  formed  only  upon  the  lessened  interval  (2050'  instead  of 
2100')  between  the  sand  in  (piestion  and  the  IRttsburg  coal,  but 
as  this  interval  is  but  50  feet  less  than  tliat  at  Washington,  and  is 
the  sanie  as  it  is  in  Butler  county,  between  the  IRttsburg  coal  and 


WEST  VUIGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


133 


the  Third  Oil  S;:iid  oi*  tlu'  Uiitirr,  Arinstroiiji;,  Clarion  and 

otluM*  ])i‘0{hu'iini:  fields  of  the  Venango  Sand  region  to  the  north- 
east, it  ai^ju'ars  (jiiite  probable  that  the  original  identification  as 
given  in  1-5  is  corn^ct.  At  any  rate,  it  is  the  nomenclature  uni- 
vei'sally  used  by  the  oil  i)i*Gducing  interests  in  Greene,  Wetzel, 
r.Iarshall,  Tyler  aiid  Doddridge  counties. 

Having  now  reviewed  the  underground  structure  of  the 
strata  in  the  counties  of  Pennsylvania,  immediately  north  from 
tlie  AVest  Virginia  border  we  shall  first  give  a series  of  records 
from  Avells  drilled  in  the  northern  counties  of  AVest  Virginia 
beginning  with  Alonongalia,  and  proceeding  westward. 

MONONGALIA  COUNTY  A^ELL  RECORDS. 

In  1900  a party  from  Cleveland,  Ohio,  drilled  a test  well  near 
Uffington,  three  and  one-half  miles  south  from  Alorgantown,  on 
the  P.  AI.  Johnson  farm.  The  derrick  floor  is  about  ten  feet 
above  the  Upper  Freeport  coal.  The  record  as  given  me  by  om* 
of  the  iiersons  interested,  is  as  follows : 

F.  M.  Johnson  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

CondiirtoT  

20 

to 

20 

Limestone  (Preeixirt)  

16 

i ( 

36 

Sand  

20 

( ( 

56 

Slate  

24 

( ( 

SO 

Coal  (Lower  Preei)()rt) 

1 

( 1 

81 

Slate  and  shell 

65 

( < 

146 

Limestone  

12 

( { 

158 

Slate  

48 

( ( 

206 

Sand,  bottom,  hai’d 

5 

t i 

211 

Slate  and  shells 

30 

1 i 

241 

Limestone  

20 

( i 

261 

Slate  

40 

i ( 

301 

Sand  (to})  Pottsville) 

70 

( ( 

371 

Slate  

30 

( i 

401 

Sand  

65 

i i 

466 

Slate  

54 

1 ( 

520 

Led  rocdv 

10 

( ( 

530 

Slate  and  sliells 

70 

( ( 

600 

ATaxto.!!  Sand 

75 

( ( 

675 

Red  ro(dv  

50 

{ ( 

725 

Limestone  

10 

< ( 

735 

Black  slate  

40 

( ( 

775 

Slate  and  sliells 

25 

( c 

800 

OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  UECOUDS  ^MONONGALIA) 


134 


Lime  to  top  of  Big  Injun  Hand  . . . 

50 

i i 

850 

Sand,  bhn'k  

10 

( ( 

800 

('’ased  on  Sand  at  RG(L 

( i 

Sand,  (Big  Injnn)  

130 

1 1 

99() 

Slate  and  phellB  

70 

i i 

1000 

Sand  

( ( 

1190 

Slate  

G.b 

i i 

1255 

l-iineRtone  

25 

i t 

1280 

Slate  and  shells 

40 

i t 

1320 

Sand  (Gantz)  

10 

i i 

1330 

Slate  and  Rhehs 

100 

1 1 

1430 

Sand,  hard  

55 

i t 

1491 

Slate  

5 

i ( 

1490 

Sand,  hard  (Gordon)  

44 

( i 

1540 

Slate  and  shells 

-IS 

< i 

1580 

Bed  rock  and  black  slaTe 

255 

t { 

1835 

Ped  rock  and  slate,  caving 

( t 

Dark  Sand  (Bayard)  

85 

i i 

1920 

Slate  

10 

C i 

1930 

Dark  sand  with  hard  streaks,  screw 

of  slate 

every  15  or  20  feet 

100 

1 ( 

2030 

White  slate  to  bottom 

250 

( 1 

2280 

Tlie  Pittsburg  coal  belongs  about  575  feet  above  the  mouth 
of  the  well,  aad  hence  the  bottom  stopped  about  200  feet  above 
the  horizon  of  the  Rpeechley  Rand.  Only  slight  p.hows  of  oil  and 
ir.ns  Avpre  found  iu  any  of  the  sands. 

About  two  and  oue-holf  miles  west  from  Morgantown,  a well 
was  drilled  by  Mefisrs.  Courtney  Si  Mel  i»’-niott  on  the  land  of  J. 
W.  Holland,  bepinnin^  only  ten  feet  u ruler  the  Pittsburg  coal, 
an  opening  in  which  is  near  the  diwrick  'bhe  coiotractor,  Richard 
Myers,  is  authority  for  the  fob  '.ving  rrcoid  of  this  well: 


J.  W.  Holland  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

C^)nductor  

0 

to 

15 

Slate  and  lime 

15 

i i 

147 

Lime  

147 

( ( 

187 

Red  rock  

i ( 

197 

Slate  and  lime 

197 

( ( 

375 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  

375 

i < 

420 

Slate  and  lime 

420 

^ ( 

515 

Sdare  and  lime  thells 

515 

i i 

715 

'‘Gas'’  Sand  

800 

i t 

825 

Shte  

825 

f t 

835 

Sait  Sand  (Avater  85(V)  

835 

< < 

015 

Slate  

t i 

970 

WEST  VniGTNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  135 

Slate  970  1015 

Ked  rock 1015  1025 

Lime  1025  1125 

Red  rock 1125  ''  1175 

Pencil  cave 1175  1180 

Lime  1180  ''  1310 

Red  rock 1310  ''  1315 

Big  Injun  Sand 1315  1413 

Slate  “ .... 

Sand  to  1488 

Slate  1488  1492 

Gas  in  Sand  ‘ Squaw at  1555 

Slate  at  1600 

Lime  at  1660 

Sand  (Gantz  and  Fifty-foot”) 1835  ‘‘  1930 

Red  rock .... 

Fifth  Sand  2307  2342 

Slate  and  shell .... 

Sixth  Sand  (Bayard) 2405  2440 

Slate  and  lime  to  bottom 2440  2615 


The  Marion  Tennant  Well,  No.  1 was  drilled  by  the  Chartiers 
Oil  Company  near  Daybrook,  Monongalia  county,  about  15 
miles  west  from  Morgantown.  Its  record  is  as  follows,  according 
to  Jos.  W.  Craig,  President  Chartiers  Oil  Company: 

, ,1  , . , ,,  Marion  Tennant  Well,  No.  1. 


[ I [ i ■ • ■ ' ' ’ Feet.  Feet. 

‘ Pittsburg  Coal  795 

Big  Injun  Sand 2100  to  2250 

j Squaw  Sand  (oil  2195') 2265  ''  2300 

Gantz  Sand  2630 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2690 

Sand  2710 

Fifteen  feet  slate  2725 

t Thirty-foot  Sand 2770 

j ' Pink  rock  2800 

i Red  rock  2915 

1 Stray  Sand  and  Gordon 2930 

I Fourth  Sand  3012  ''  3032 

* Slate  and  shells 3060 

1 Black  Sand 3060 

' Red  sand 3080 

I Slate  3100 

Shell  3055  • 

Fifth  Sand,  shell,  one  bit 3090 

Gas  in  shell  (Bayard  Sand)  3220 


“Oil  and  water  2195  to  2210;  filled  up  about  1200  feet. 


13G 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  llECORDS  (MONONGALIA) 


Fourth  Sand  about  20  feet,  poor,  dark  sand.  Fifth  Sand  only 
one  bit.  Got  ^as  at  8220  (very  little).  Got  oil  at  3224,  filled 
up  over  tools,  probably  good  for  one  barrel  oil  per  day.  Did  not 
exhaust  by  drilling.  Oil  in  Black  Sand,  3224h  Only  one  bit 
From  3224'  to  bottom,  black  slate.  Bottom  of  hole  3276  feet.” 

The  oil  obtained  near  the  bottom  of  this  well  is  from  the  hori- 
zon of  the  Bayard  Sand,  the  same  as  that  found  a few  miles 
northeast  on  the  Blair  and  Shriver  farms,  close  to  the  West 


V i r gi  n i a - Pen  n sy  1 van  i a 1 in  e . 

The  Flat  Run  Oil  Fool  of  IMarion  county  extends  into  Mon- 
ongalia, west  from  Daybrook,  and  many  productive  wells  have 
been  drilled  therein.  The  oil  occurs  in  what  the  drillers  term  the 
“Gordon”  Sand,  but  as  the  oil  is  found  at  about  2220  feet  below 
the  Pittsburg  coal,  it  is  evidently  below  the  “Gordon”  Sand 
liorizon  of  Greene,  Wetzel,  etc.,  or  even  below  the  Campbells  run 
“(Jordon”  horizon  of  the  next  western  oil  belt  in  Monongalia, 
and  hence  the  writer  has  identified  this  Flat  Run  “ Gordon^^  Sand 


with  the  Fourth  Sand  of  the  Pennsylvania  or  Venango  Group. 

The  folloving  records  from  the  Plat  Run  pool  in  Mononga- 
lia county  will  show  the  succession  of  strata  in  the  region  b(*- 
tween  the  north  end  of  that  pool,  two  to  three  miles  west  from 


Daybrook,  and  the  Marion  county  line: 

Hamilton  Gump  Well,  No.  1. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Ihttsburg  Coal  

• 

Feet, 
.. .1175 

Pig  Injun  Sand 

. . .2483 

Sand,  slate  and  sliells 

...2975 

Slate  and  shells 

. . . 3020 

Sand  

. . .3025 

Slate,  sand  and  shells 

. . .3045 

“Fifty-feot”  Sand  

...3100 

Soft  slate  

...3120 

Sand,  slate  and  shells 

...3150 

Sand  and  shells 

. ..3210 

Red  7-ock  

. . .3215 

Sand  

...3230 

Red  rock  

...3270 

S-nd  

. . .3280 

Slate  and  shells 

. . .3290 

Sand  

...3295 

Feet. 

2690 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


\:n 


Slate  and  sl)(dls 3310 

l?ed  r('('k  3345 

Sand  3355 

Slat(3  3300 

Sand  3375 

Slate  and  sbells 3390 

First  Ikiy  (Fourth  Sand)  3391 

Seeond  j^ay  3396 

I)ei)tli  3408 


Anna  Harvey  Well,  No.  1 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company,  Flat  Run  Pool,  Mon- 


ongalia county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Cool  780 

Pig  Tnjnn  Sand 2080  to  2200 

Slate  and  shells 22^5 

Sr/”aw  Sand  2315 

Slate  and  shells 2500 

Shei:-  Sand  2520 

Slate  2530 

Sand  (i  mtz)  2555 

Slate,  sa.  1 and  shells 2025 

‘M^5fty-foc;r’’  Sand 2000 

Slate  2075 

Sand  2725 

Fed  sand  2730 

^date,  sand  and  shells 2770 

Fed  sand 2785 

Slate  2790 

Sand  2820 

Fed  rock' 2835 

Sand  2885 

Shells  and  slate  2905 

■ ■ Fed  rock  2925 

‘^Stray’’  Sand  (Campbells  Knn) 2945 

Shite  and  shells 2995 

Fourth  Sand  2995 

First  Fay  3005 

Seec  nd  Pay 3010 

Hottom  3012 


A luia  Harvey  Well,  No.  3.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com 
puny.  F^'lat  Run  Pool,  Monongalia  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 


2225  ^ ^ 2370 

2785  ‘ ‘ 2830 


Pittsburg  Coal  . . . . 
Pig  Injnn  Sand  . . 
Fifty-foot”  Sand 


138 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IlECORDS  (MONONGALIA) 


‘^Stray’’  Sand  (Campbells  Rim) 3085  3125 

Fourth  Sand  3130 

First  Pay  3133 

Total  depth  , 3152 

^^Show  oil  and  lig'lit  g'as  in  Injun.’’ 

Light  gas  in  Fifty-foot  Sand.” 


Tlaught  cO  Walker  Well,  No.  2.  Authority  South  Penn  Oil 
Company.  Flat  Run  Pool,  Monongalia  county,  West  Virginia. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  ...'..  .1060 

Big  Injim  Sand  (Show  of  oil  2400') 2360  to  2525 

^^Fiftv-foot”  Sand  (light  gas,  2980') . . . .2965  3010 

Stray  Sand 3260  ‘‘  3270 

Fourth  Sand 3281 

First  Pay  3285 

Total  depth  3288 

Hail  gilt  Walker  Well,  No.  18.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil 

Company.  Flat  Run  Oil  Pool,  Monongalia  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1077 

Big  Injun  Sand 2367  to  2517 

‘‘Fifty-foot”  Sand  2977  “ 3027 

Stray  Sand  3250  “ 3280 

Fourth  Sand  (oil) 3295 

Second  Pay 3301 

Total  depth 3316 

B.  F.  II aught  Well,  No.  1.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 

pany. Flat  Run  Oil  Pool,  Monongalia  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1052  ' 

Big  Injun  Sand 2400  to  2525 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 2957  1 

Stray  (Campbells  Run  Sand) 3215 

Gordon  3265 

First  Pay 3275 

Second  Pay  3283 

Total  depth 3293 


B.  F.  II aught  Well,  No.  2.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. Flat  Run  Oil  Pod,  Monongalia  county.  West  Virginia. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1255 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  at  2635') 2550  to  2695 

Fifty-foot”  (gas  at  3160') 3150  “ 3220 

Stray  Sand 3450  “ 3460 

Fourth  Sand 3474 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


VM 


First  Pay  3483 

Total  depth  3495 


J.  ;V.  Wils())i  Well,  No.  1.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. One  and  oue-half  miles  southeast  of  Miracle  Run  Post- 
office,  Clay  district,  Monongalia  county. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Plnff  ('Waynesburg)  Sand 450 

IMapletown  Coal  815 

Pittsburg  Coal  915 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand 1170  to  1200 

Pur'Ponkard  Sand  1450  1500 

Sand  1600  ‘‘  1660 

Salt  Sand  1730  1880 

Little  Lime 2110  2130 

Pencil  cave 2130  2135 

Big  Lime 2140  2188 

Big  Injnn  Sand  2188  2410 

Gas  (small)  at 2770 

'^Fifty-fooC'  Sand 2882 

Fonrtli  Sand 3152 

Oil  at  3156 

Total  depth 3170 


Isaac  Lemley  Well,  No.  2.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. One  and  one-half  miles  southeast  of  Miracle  Run  Post- 


office,  Clay  district,  Monongalita  county.  West  Virginia. 


(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pbffi  Sand  (Waynesbnrg) 580  to  640 

Pittsburg  Coal  1020 

Dunkard  Sand  1780  1835 

Salt  Sand  1870  2031 

Pencil  cave 2190  2197 

Big  Tvime  2197 

Big  Injun  Sand  2295 

First  gas 2305 

Second  gas  2386 

Oil  2390 

Total  depth 2414 


Along  the  Mt.  l\rorris-Mannington  Big  Injun  Sand  oil  belt, 
the  Bayard  Sand,  at  approximately  2400  feet  below  the  Pittsburg 
coal,  has  recently  been  found  very  productive  of  oil  in  the  vicinity 
of  Arnos,  or  Pairview,  Marion  county,  and  northeastward  into 
the  southern  edge  of  Monongalia.  Small  oil  wells  had  previous- 
ly been  Bound  in  it  on  the  Shriver  and  Blair  farms,  near  the 
Pennsylvania  line,  below  Andy  Postoffice,  and  some  gas  wells  on 


MO 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (MONONGALIA) 


1,1h‘  Ooro,  Moore,  McCord  and  other  lands  in  the  vicinity  of 
!\looresvi]l(%  Cla}^  district.  The  following  records  in  the  south- 
ern edge  of  Monongalia  county  will  show  the  relationship  of 
this  deep  oil  sand  to  the  rocks  above: 


Conawaif  Well,  No.  1i.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany, Clay  district,  Monongalia  county.  West  Virginia. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pitts1?iirg  Coal  

. . 90S 

to 

917  (Steel 

line.) 

Dnnkard  Sand  

. .1415 

i ( 

1475 

Gas  Sand  . 

..1720 

i ( 

1700 

Salt  Sand  

..1800 

( ( 

1920 

P>ig  Tame 

. .2100 

( ( 

2230 

Bio-  Tnjnn  Sand 

. .2230 

( ( 

2445 

^^Fif tv-foot”  Sand  

. .2850 

( ( 

2930 

Gas  at  

. .3303 

Bayard  Sand  

. .33231/2 

(Steel 

line.) 

Oil  at  

. .3324 

Total  depth  

. .3342 

(One  hnndred  and  twenty-five  barrel  well.) 

A.  Dm'vah  Well, 

No. 

7. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Goal  ....  * 

. . .1095 

to 

1104 

Pnnkard  Sand  

. . .1585 

( ( 

1045 

Salt  Sand  (water  2111') . . 

. . .1945 

( ( 

2131 

Bi  .o-  T-imo 

2335 

1 1 

2395 

Peneil  eavo 

. . . 2327 

1 ( 

2335 

Big  Tninn  

. . .2395 

( i 

2575 

Fourth  Sand 

. . .3305 

Fifth  Sand  

. . .3355 

i i 

3400 

Bayard  Sand  

....3505 

First  Pay  (25  bbls.  daily)  . 

. . .3507 

T(  tal  depth 

...3525 

The  W.  W.  Kennedy  Well,  No.  3,  about  four  miles  north 
from  Amos,  in  Clay  district,  exhibited  the  following  succession, 
accoj'ding  to  th.e  South  Penn  Oil  Company: 


ir.  W.  Kennedy  Well,  No.  3. 


Pitlsimi'g  C('id  

Prnlvard  Sand  

Salt  Sand  

Pig  Ininn  Sand  (salt  water  an  1 

oil)  

‘^Fifty-fooC’  Sand  

^^Thirty-foot”  Sand  


Feet, 

714 

1200 

irdo 

sciiin  of 

20.34 

2000 

2700 


to 

i ( 
i ( 

i i 
I ( 
i ( 


Feet. 

721 

1250 

1735 


2218 

2040 

2800 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGTCAE  SURVEY 


141 


Foiii-tli  Sand  (shells  and  slate) 2034 

Uayard  Sand  (showed  some  i^ebbles  and 

small  show  of  oil) 3133  3134 

Total  deidh  3174 

Remarks : 

^M)rilled  throiiiih  pay  which  showed  pebble  and  slate  with  black 
oily  scum  on  top  of  washino's  at  depth  of  3133  feet  i.  e.,  2419  feet 
])elow  the  Uitts])nrg'  coal.  Di(i  not  show  any  hard  shell  or  gas  at  depth 
of  3104  feet.  Quickly  blew  out.’’ 

S.  J.  Harvey  Well,  No.  4. 

Fairview  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  14 

Pittsburg-  Coal  1145 

Big  Ininn  Sand 2477  to  2G27 

‘^Fifty-foot”  Sand  3087  “ 3147 

Stray  Sand 3340  “ 33G0 

Fourth  Sand  (First  pay  33G2') 33G1 

Fifth  Sand  (First  pay  3400') 3398 

Completed  at  340Sy2 


ITiis  is  the  only  well  in  the  Fairview  region  which  produces 
oil  from  the  horizon  of  the  Fifth,  or  McDonald,  Sand. 

Probably  the  deepest  productive  oil  well  ever  drilled  any- 
where in  the  world  is  that  of  the  Wilson  Heirs’  No.  9,  two  mih's 
north  from  Amos  Postoffice.  It  was  drilled  by  the  South  Penn 
Cil  Company,  and  gave  the  following  succession,  according  to  Mr. 
P.  B.  Gregory,  District  Superintendent: 

Wilson  Heirs’  Well,  No.  9. 

Clay  district,  Monongalia  couiity.  West  Virginia.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company: 


Pittsburg-  Coal  

Big  Lime 

Feet. 

1218 

2455 

lAet. 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2535 

to 

2G90 

Oil,  gas  and  water 

“ Fifty-f()(4  ” Sand  

3118 

to 

3178 

Show  oil  

“ Thii-ty-foot  ” Sand  

3122 

3270 

i ( 

3305 

Fourth  Sand 

Fifth  Sand  (McDonald) 

3440 

3495 

( i 

3530 

Bayard  Sand  

3G1G 

142  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  UECOLDS  (MONONGALIA) 

'I'he  oil  companies  operating  in  this  region,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  Fisher  Oil  Company,  all  designate  the  deep  producing 
sand  of  these  two  recoj  ds,  2400  feet  under  the  Pittsburg  coal,  as 
the  “Fifth  Sand,”  which  is  clearly  erroneous,  since  the  Fifth 
Sand  is  found  at  its  proper  horizon  100  feet  higher  in  the  record 
just  given,  while  above  it  at  the  proper  intervals  come  the 
Four  Hi,  ur  Flat  Run  “Gordon,”  and  other  sands  in  their  proper 
order  and  succession,  so  that  there  can  be  no  doubt  about  the 
identity  with  the  Bayard  of  the  deep  producing  oil  sand  in  the 
Amos  region  of  Marion  county. 

Miracle  Run  puts  into  Bunkard  creek  about  two  miles  above 
Blacksviiie,  and  what  is  known  as  the  Campbells  Run  oil,  belt 
extends  along  the  waters  of  the  right  branch  of  that  stream,  from 
the  Marion  county  line,  northeastward  into  Pennsylvania,  cross- 
ing Bunkard  creek  near  the  mouth  of  Hoover’s  run.  This  oil 
belt  lies  about  two  to  two  and  one-half  miles  west  from  the  “Flat 
Run”  belt,  and  like  the  latter,  received  its  name  from  a stream 
in  Marion  county,  just  south  from  the  Monongalia  county  line. 

In  the  Marion  county  end  of  the  belt  on  Campbells  run  th*- 
productive  oil  sand  lies  only  2150  to  2160  feet  below  the  Pitts- 
burg coal,  but  northeastward  on  Miracle  run,  in  Monongalia,  the 
productive  horizon  shifts  dovvui  to  2210  to  2225  feet  belov/  the 
Pittsburg  coal,  and  is,  therefore,  in  the  same  sand  as  the  Flat  Run 
belt,  which  has  been  identilied  in  this  report  with  the  “Fourth 
Sand”  of  the  Pennsylvania  or  Venango  Group,  while  the  Camp- 
bells Run  Sand  proper,  at  2160  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal, 
would  most  probably  represent  the  bottom  portion  of  the  regular 
Gordon  Sand  of  Vfashington  county,  Pennsylvania,  since  with  its 
“Stray”  member  immediately  above,  that  sand  is  often  60  to  75 
feet  thick. 

The  follov;ing  record  of  the  Sarah  E.  Eddy  Well,  No.  1,  near 
the  village  of  Cross  Roads,  on  Miracle  run,  given  me  by  the 
owner,  lion.  Joseph  II.  McBermott,  will  show  the  succession 
there : 

Sarah  E.  Eddy  Well,  No.  1. 

Foot.  Foot. 

29  to  29 


Conductor 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SlIllVEY 


143 


Unrecorded  (cased  lO-inch  at  102  feet) . . . 621  650 

Bluff  Sand  (Waynesburg) ‘‘ 

Unrecorded  232  882 

Mapletown  Coal  (Sewickley) “ ... 

Unrecorded ' 92  974 

Pittsburg  Coal 

Unrecorded  (cased  8V4"  at  1468') 576  1550 

Sand  90  1640 

Unrecorded  40  1680 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  110  “ 1790 

Unrecorded  85  “ 1875 

Salt  Sand  150  “ 2025 

Unrecorded 160  “ 2185 

Pencil  cave 10  “ 2195 

Big  Lime  (cased  0%-incli  at  2244') 51  “ 2246 

Big  Injun  Sand  (little  gas  at  2281;  gas 

water  and  oil  at  2350') 144  “ 2390 

Unrecorded  360  “ 2750 

Sand  (Berea)  40  “ 2790 

Unrecorded 53  “ 2843 

“Pifty-foot”  Sand  (shelly  break;  133 

feet  of  5 3-16-inch  casing) 266  “ 3109 

Unrecorded  16  “ 3125 

Campbells  Run  Sand  (heavy  gas  at  3125) 

(Gordon)  shells  and  hard  sand 67  “ 3192 

Fourth  Sand  (oil  show  at  3196;  well  com- 
menced spraying  at  3199) “ .... 

Production  first  24  hours,  260  barrels. 

Production  second  24  hours,  360  barrels. 

Other  wells  drilled  to  the  Fourth  Sand,  northeast  from  the 


Sarah  Eddy  farm  along  Miracle  run  exhibt  the  succession 
given  in  the  following  records: 

Rufus  Bell  Well,  No.  1,  on  the  farm  of  Rufus  Bell  in  Battelle 
district,  Monongalia  county.  Well  owned  by  the  Battelle  Oil 
Company.  Authority,  II.  & AV.  L.  Shaffer,  Contractors. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor,  13-inch  15  to  15 

Cased  10-inch  at  216 

Unrecorded  to  350 

Bluff  Sand  (Waynesburg) 50  “ 400 

Unrecorded  312  “ 712 

Mapletown  Coal  8 “ 720 

Unrecorded  84  “ 804 

Ihttsburg  Coal 8 “ 812 

Unrecorded 353  “ 1165 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 15  “ 1180 


H4  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (MONONGALIA) 


Unrecorded 

....  120 

( 1 

1300 

Sand  (cased  8"  at  1305') 

....  80 

i ( 

1380 

Unrecorded 

....  270 

( ( 

1650 

Salt  Sand  

....  150 

( ( 

1800 

Unrecorded 

....  220 

i ( 

2020 

P>i2’  Lime 

....  60 

( < 

2080 

I>i^'  Injnn  Sand  (water  at  2170') 

....  235 

1 ( 

2315 

Unrecorded  

285 

C ( 

2600 

Sand  (Berea)  

40 

1 ( 

2640 

Unrecorded 

....  90 

i ( 

2730 

Gantz  Sand  (gas) 

....  15 

( ( 

2745 

Unrecorded 

( ( 

2750 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

....  85 

( ( 

2835 

Unrecorded  . . . 

....  95 

i i 

2930 

Campbells  Rnn  Sand  (Gordon)  

....  30 

i ( 

2960 

Unrecorded 

....  40 

( ( 

3000 

Sand,  gas  on  top 

....  30 

i ( 

3030 

Ihirecorded 

. . . . 10 

i i 

3040 

Fourth  Sand  (oil  at  3062') 

. . . . 30 

( ( 

3070 

Total  depth 

3086 

Rufus  Bell  Well,  No.  2.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

742 

Big  Injnn  Sand 

1991  to 

2230 

‘‘Fifty-foot”  Sand 

2()67  “ 

2755 

Campbells  Kiui  Sand  (Gordon) 

2877  “ 

2901 

Fourth  Sand,  i)ay 

2980 

Total  depth  

....3001 

]\Lilo  Sirosnider  Well,  No.  1.  Authority,  Battelle  Oil  Com- 
pany. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  

...  16 

to 

16 

Unrecoi’ded  (cased  10"  at  225')  

, ...  284 

i ( 

300 

Pilnff  Sand  (Waynesburg) 

. . . . 50 

( ( 

350 

pin  recorded  

, ...  262 

( ( 

612 

Mai)leto\vn  Coal 

8 

i i 

620 

Unrecorded 

...  92 

( ( 

712 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. . . 10 

722 

Uni-ecorded  

...  478 

1200 

Dnnkard  Sand  (cased  8"  at  1210') . . . . 

...  75 

( i 

1275 

Unrecorded 

...  175 

i i 

1450 

“Gas”  Sand  

. . . 45 

i i 

1495 

Unrecorded  

. . . 55 

( i 

1550 

Salt  Sand  

< i 

1700 

Uni-ecorded  (cased  6%"  at  1728') 

...  215 

i ( 

1915 

Big  lame 

( ( 

1980 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


145 


dig  Injnn  Sand  (cased  5 3-10"  at  2140') . 

. 200 

1 ( 

2180 

Ihi recorded  

. 335 

( ( 

2515 

Sand  (Berea)  

. 40 

( i 

2555 

Unrecorded  

. 50 

i i 

2005 

Gantz  Sand 

. 15 

i i 

2020 

Unrecorded 

. 10 

i { 

2030 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

. 85 

( ( 

2715 

Unrecorded 

. 175 

( ( 

2890 

(’ampbells  Run  Sand 

. . .30 

i ( 

2920 

Unrecorded 

5 

( ( 

2925 

'Sand  

. 10 

( i 

2935 

Unrecorded 

. 29 

i ( 

2904 

Fo^irth  Sand 

. 16 

1 i 

2980 

Unrecorded 

. 13 

1 ( 

2995 

Sand  

. 15 

3008 

Unrecorded  to  bottom 

. 151 

( i 

5159 

The  sand  struck  at  335  feet  below  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  or 
2515  feet  in  this  well  is  wrongly  termed  the  “Thirty-foot”  Sand 
by  many  of  the  drillers  in  this  field,  since  the  true  “Thirty-foot” 
Sand  belongs  in  the  interval  between  the  “Fifty-foot”  SaiKl  and 
the  Campbells  Run  Sand.  The  sand  above  referred  to  is  most 
probaldy  identical  with  the  Berea  Sand  of  the  Ohio  series,  if  this 
latter  is  not  the  equivalent  of  either  the  Gantz  or  “Fifty-foot” 
sands  of  West  Virginia. 

The  record  of  a well  drilled  on  the  Ewing  heirs’  farm  in  this 
Campbells  run  oil  belt,  was  kei)t  for  the  wi*iter  with  much  detail 
through  the  Venango  (Jroiip  by  Mr.  Joseph  W.  Craig,  Pi’esident 
of  the  Chartiers  Oil  Company,  the  owner  of  the  well.  It  (‘xhibits 
the  following  succession  down  to  the  Campbelh  Run  Oil  Sand. 

Ewing  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

On  the  farm  of  the  heirs  of  John  IT.  Ewing,  in  Battelle 
district,  Monongalia  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Mapletown  Coal  (Sewickley)  at 835 

Pittsburg  Coal  at 924 

(lO-inch  easing  at  934  feet.) 

Top  of  first  Red  at 10(10 

Top  of  second  Red  at 1 150 

Dunkard  Sand  at 1350 

(fil4-ineh  casing  at  1538  feet.) 

Gas  Sand  (water  at  1745)  at 1700 

To})  Salt  Sand  at ' 1820 

liottoin  Salt  Sand  (water  at  1890')  at 1934 

(G%-incli  casing  at  1995.) 


146 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOllDS  (MONONGALIA) 


Top  “Big  Lime”  at 2130 

Top  of  “Big  Injun”  at 2200 

(Gas  and  a little  water  at  22cS0  feet;  5 
3-16-incli  casing  2360'.) 

Top  of  Gantz  Sand  (steel  line  measure- 
ment) at  2830 

(Little  gas  at  2848;  big  gas  at  2870.) 

Bottom  of  “Fifty-foot”  Sand 2945 

Slate,  pink 2 to  2947 

Hard  shell,  pink 10  2957 

Soft  shell,  red 2 2959 

Hard  sand,  red 5 2964 

Soft  slate,  red 5 2969 

C sand,  hard,  gray. . .30  2999 

‘ ^ Thirty-foot”  Sand.  < sand,  hard,  white. . 2 3001 

( sand,  hard,  blue ...  25  ‘ ^ 3026 

Soft  slate,  black 5 “ 3031 

Hard  sand,  pink 36  3067 

Soft  sand,  pink 4 3071 

Slate,  black 2 3073 

“Liner”  (steel  measurement)  3072 

Shells 5 “ 3077 

Red  shale  13  “ 3090 


Top  Campbells  Run  Sand  (oil  at  3098  feet) ...  “ 

This  record  shows  that  the  true  horizon  of  the  “Thirty- 


foot”  Sand  of  the  Venango  Group  lies  in  the  midst  of  the  red 


beds  which  intervene  betv/een  the  bottom  of  the  “Hundred-foot” 


(Gantz  and  “Fifty-foot”)  Sand  and  the  Campbells  Run  or  Gor- 
don Sand. 

Near  the  West  Virginia-Pennsylvania  State  line,  a short 
distance  south  from  the  mouth  of  Hoovers  run,  the  South  Penn 
Oil  Company  reports  the  following  succession  on  the  land  of 
Georgia  Eddy : 


Georgia  Eddy  Yiell,  No.  1,  Monongalia  county. 


Pittsburg  Coal  965 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil  and  gas  2263') 2222  to  2465 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 2915  “ 2945 

Fourth  Sand 3180  “ 3243 

First  Pay 3230 

Total  depth 3243 


About  one  mile  west  from  the  Campbells  Run  oil  belt,  and 
two  miles  south  from  Wadestown,  Monongalia  county,  a well 
was  drilled  ui)on  tlie  land  of  M.  J.  Garrison  by  Messrs.  Courtney 
& ^IcDermott,  from  whom  the  following  record  was  obtained: 


WEST  VIllG'TNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUliVEY 


147 


M.  rf.  Garrison  Well,  No. 

1. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

(^onduetor 

12 

to 

12 

Unrecorded  (cased  10-iiu^h  at  175  feet).. 

458 

( ( 

470 

Bluff  Sand  (Waynesburg) 

40 

( ( 

510 

Ihirecorded 

885 

( ( 

895 

Pittsburg  Coal 

11 

i 1 

900 

Unrecorded 

479 

i ( 

1385 

Dunkard  Sand  (cased  8-inch  at  1427  feet) 

70 

i ( 

1455 

LTnrecorded  

110 

( ( 

1505 

“Gas”  Sand  

120 

( i 

1085 

Unrecorded 

155 

( ( 

1840 

Salt  Sand  

iO 

( i 

1890 

Unrecorded  

190 

( ( 

2080 

Big  Lime  (cased  Oi/2-inch  at  2128  feet) . . . 

05 

i ( 

2L45 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water  and  a little  gas  at 

2240')  

175 

1 ( 

2320 

Unrecorded  (eased  5-inch  at  2350) 

320 

( ( 

2040 

Sand  (Berea)  

40 

( i 

2080 

Unrecorded 

85 

( ( 

2705 

'Gantz  Sand 

10 

i ( 

2775 

Unrecorded 

5 

1 1 

2780 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  

110 

1 i 

2890 

Unrecorded .• 

130 

i i 

3020 

‘ ‘ Thirty-foot  ’ ’ Sand 

30 

( 1 

3050 

Unrecorded 

50 

i i 

3100 

Gordon  Sand  

20 

i i 

3120 

Unrecorded  

10 

( i 

3130 

Fourth  Sand  (gas  at  3145')  

35 

i i 

3105 

Unrecorded 

42 

( ( 

3217 

Filth  Sand  (a  little  gas)  

3 

( 1 

3220 

T(dal  de}>th 

3354 

Near  St.  Leo,  liatteiie  di?sti‘ict,  iMonoiigalia  county,  some 
i'air  oil  producers  have  been  found  in  the  Campbells  Kiui  Sand. 
4'he  lirst  well  in  that  region  was  drilled  by  the  Chartiei*s  Oil 
Company,  and  it  exhibited  the  following  succession,  according  to 
Mr.  Jos.  W.  Crai^g : 

J.  M.  ILalCwell,  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  91G 

Duiikai-d  (Mahoning)  Sand  1410  to  1430 

‘HI as’’  Sand,  hard ICOO  ‘‘  1000 

Salt  Sand  1810  1035 

^dlig”  Lime  2150  2228 

l>ig  Injun  Sand  (water  2312') 2228  2415 

‘‘Fifty-foot”  Sand 2875  “ 2025 

Campbells  Run  Sand  3072  “ 3107 


148  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  j oNONGALIA) 

Oil  at 3077 

Fourth  Sand 3145  ‘‘  3155 


As  heretofore  stated,  the  Campbells  Run  Sand  is  most  prob- 
ably the  bottom  portion  of  the  true  Gordon  Sand  horizon,  and 
the  same  as  that  called  “Gordon”  by  the  oil  fraternity  in  Wetzel 
county,  while  here  in  Monongalia  and  the  adjoining  county  of 
IMarion,  the  term  “Gordon”  is  generally  given  to  the  sand  next 
below  the  Campbells  Run  horizon,  or  the  one  which  the  writer 
has  designated  as  the  Fourth  Sand,  70  to  75  feet  below  the 
former. 

The  record  of  a boring  made  on  the  Ilaught  heirs’  farm,  two 
miles  west  from  St.  I^eo,  jMonongalia  county,  was  kindly  fur- 
nished the  Survey  by  Mr.  O.  D.  Harrington  of  the  Fisher  Oil 
Company,  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  as  follows: 

Ilaught  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1070 

Dunkard  Sand  1580  to  1616 

Salt  Sand 2010  “ 2110 

Big  Injun  Sand 2380  “ 2580 

Fifty-foot  Sand  3000  “ 3145  (Oil  at  3015  ft.) 

Campbells  Run  (Gordon 

Sand)  3256  “ 3286 

Fourth  Sand  3296  “ 3310 

Fifth  Sand 3340  “ 3390 

Bayard  Sand 3476  “ 3486  (Oil  at  3480  ft.) 

10"  aos  foof 


SyW  Casing,  1490  feet. 

6%"  Casing,  2541  feet. 

The  presence  of  the  Bayard  Sand  here  at  its  proper  horizon 
(2400  feet)  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  holding  some  oil,  should 
lead  to  the  drilling  of  more  test  wells  to  this  sand  in  western 
Monongalia. 

About  three  miles  west  from  Wadestown,  Battelle  district, 
and  within  two  miles  of  the  Wetzel-Monongalia  line,  the  Fort 
Pitt  Gas  Company  drilled  a test  well  on  the  land  of  R.  S.  Clovis, 
the  record  of  which  is  as  follows,  according  to  Jos.  W.  Craig: 

R.  S.  Clovis  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet.  Feet. 

810 

900  to  1200 


Pittsburg  Coal 
Caving  places 


WEST  VIliGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY  149 


Piniknrd  Sand  1340  1370  ■ 

(las  Sand  1540  ''  1080 

Salt  Sand  1730  ''  1830 

Pencil  cave 2005  2020 

Pi.^Lime 2020  2075 

Pie:  Tnjnn  Sand  (g-as  2100') 2075  ''  2310 

Slate,  sand  and  shells 2310  2805 

‘ ‘ Fif tv-foot  ’ ’ Sand 2810  ' ' 2840 

Sand  •. 2850  ''  2870 

Sand  (‘‘Thirty-foot’’)  2905  “ 2925 

Sand  (“Gordon  Stray”) 2935  “ *2950 

Sand,  Gordon  (Campbells  Rnn) 2955  “ 2975 

Sand  3015  “ 3025 

Fourth  Sand 3050  “ 3065 

Fifth  Sand 3075  “ 3093 

Slate  and  lime 3093  “ 3432 

Total  depth  ot  well 3432 


The  Bayard  Sand  horizon  appears  not  to  have  been  noted  in 
the  Clovis  well. 

'William  Porter  Well,  No.  1. 

Battelle  district.  Authority,  Carnegie  Natural  Gas  Company. 

I Feet.  Feet. 

' Unrecorded  to  top  of  Pittsburg  Coal  at. . . 900  to  900 


Unrecorded 1300  “ 2200 

Big  Injun  Sand 236  “ 2436 

Unrecorded 419  “ 2855 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 20  “ 2875 

Unrecorded 810  “ 3L85 


Fifth  Sand  \ Unrecorded  14'  . 45  “ 3230 


i Unrecorded Ill  “ 3341 

’ Sixth,  or  Bayard,  Sand  (little  gas) 6 “ 3347 

Total  depth  (slate)  173  “ 8520 

James  Hagan  Well,  No.  1. 

Battelle  district.  Authority,  Carnegie  Natural  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

. TTnrecorded  to  top  of  Pittsburg  Coal 717  to  717 

T Unrecorded  903  “ 1620 

Salt  Sand  150  “ 1770 

' Unrecorded 168  “ 1938 

I Big  Lime 75  “ 2013 

Big  Injun  Sand 125  “ 2238 

• Unrecorded  390  “ 2628 

(dtutz  Sand  (little  gas  at  2045') 18  “ 2040 

Unrecoi-ded  19  “ 2005 

“Fifty-fool”  Sand 73  “•  2738 


150 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (MARION) 


Unrecorded  

185 

1 1 

2923 

Fourth  Sand  

16 

( ( 

2939 

Unrecorded  

3 

{ ( 

2942 

Fourth  Sand 

12 

( 1 

2954 

Unrecorded 

27 

1 i 

2981 

Fiftli  Sand  

29 

(( 

3010 

No  Bavard  Sand. 

Total  depth 

3264 

Record  of  the  S.  L.  S.  Spragg  Well,  No.  1. 

One-fourth  mile  northeast  of 

St.  Cloud.  Authority, 

igan,  of  the  Syndicate  Oil  and  Gas  Company: 

Feet. 

Feet. 

BlnfP  (Wavnesbnrg)  Sand  .... 

578 

Mapletown  (Sewickley)  Coal  .. 

832 

to 

835 

Pittsburg  Coal 

929 

( c 

935 

Dnnkard  Sand  

1445 

( ( 

1570 

Sand  ‘‘Gas”)  

1605 

( l 

1675 

Salt  Sand  (water  at  1900') 

1883 

ii 

1925 

Pencil  cave 

2115 

i i 

2124 

Big  Lin^e 

2124 

( ( 

21S4 

Big  Ininn  Sand  (gas  at  2200')  . 

2184 

( c 

2404 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

Cl 

2902 

“ Nineveli” Sand  (pebbly  at  t#)p)  (“Thirty-  • 

foot”)  

2953 

( 1 

2988 

Red  rock 

3005 

1 i 

3025 

Gordon  Sand  (Campbells  Run) 

(show  oil 

at  3107')  :.... 

J095 

( ( 

3120 

Fourth  Sand  

3155 

1 1 

3170 

Fifth  Sand  

M95 

1 ( 

3207 

Slate  and  shells  (completed  in 

slate)....  3207 

( ( 

3406 

10"  Casing,  206  feet. 

8"  Casing,  1424  feet. 
G%"  Casing,  2150  feet. 


RECORDS  IN  BIARION  COUNTY. 


Marion  county  lies  next  south  from  Monongalia,  and  has 
proven  very  rich  in  both  oil  and  gas.  A very  large  number 
of  wells  have  been  drilled  within  this  county,  and  we  shall  now 
give  a series  of  these  records,  proceeding  from  east  to  west. 

A well  was  drilled  by  the  Hope  Natural  Gas  Company  on  the 
Jones  fa.T-m,  Winheld  district,  two  miles. east  Prom  the  Mononga- 
hela  river,  near  ¥/hlte  Day  Postoffice,  from  which  the  following 
succession  is  reported : 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


151 


Brent  8.  Jofies  Well,  No.  1. 


■I  T'  "11  ( , , 

Feet. 

Feet. 

ronclnctor 

. 0 

to 

14 

‘‘Creek’’  sandstone  

..  14 

1 ( 

23 

Slate  

. 23 

( c 

40 

"White  sandstone  (Mahoning') . 

. 40 

({ 

80 

Coal  and  water  (U.  Freeport) . 

. 80 

( ( 

83 

Slate  and  lime 

. 83 

( ( 

170 

Slate  and  Coal  (U.  Kittanning)  170 

( ( 

L85 

Sand  and  lime 

. 185 

( ( 

242 

Kitanning  Coal  

. 242 

( 1 

247 

Hard  lime 

. 247 

i ( 

270 

IWiite  sandstone  and  water 

(top  of  Pottsville) 

. 270 

t ( 

285 

Slate  

. 285 

1 i 

295 

Time  and  sand 

. 295 

i 1 

410 

Slate  

. 410 

< 1 

415 

Sandy  lime 

. 415 

i c 

440 

Black  slate  

. 440 

{ ( 

510 

Sand  shells 

. 510 

( ( 

525 

Black  slate  

. 525 

( ( 

540 

White  slate 

. 540 

( 1 

570 

Red  rock 

. 570 

( ( 

585 

Slate  

. 585 

( ( 

600 

White  sandstone  

. 600 

( ( 

625 

Lime  

. 625 

( ( 

540 

Red  rock 

. 640 

( ( 

655 

Tame 

1 1 

755 

Slate  

. 755 

( 1 

760 

Red  rock  

. 760 

i ( 

775 

ITig  Lime • 

. 755 

( ( 

845 

Big  Iiijim,  veiy  hard 

. 845 

( c 

860 

“ “ red  

. 860 

( { 

875 

“ “ gas  and  water  . . . . 

. 875 

( i 

950 

“ “ very  hard  

..950 

( ( 

990 

“ “ slate  break 

. 990 

i ( 

1000 

“ “ sand  

.1000 

( 1 

1130 

Slate  

.1130 

( ( 

1140 

Sand,  very  hard 

.1140 

i i 

1180 

Slate  and  lime  shells 

.1180 

( ( 

1260 

Hard  lime 

.1260 

( ( 

1285 

Slate  

.1285 

i ( 

1320 

Slate  and  haj'd  shells 

.1320 

( ( 

1410 

White  sandstone.  ( (Gantz) 

) 1410 

( i 

1505 

r iale  and  shells.  < and 

V .505 

i i 

1535 

White  sandstone..  (^'50-1‘t.” 

) 1535 

i 1 

1570 

K’ed  rock 

i ( 

1595 

Sand  

i ( 

1615 

Slate  

.1615 

i ( 

1625 

1:52  OIL  AND 

GAS  WELL  RECORDS  ( 

MARION) 

Hard  sliells 

1025 

i i 

1635 

Slate  and  shells 

1635 

( ( 

1690 

Sandy  shells 

1690 

( ( 

1700 

Red  rock 

1700 

( i 

1775 

Sand  shells 

1775 

1 ( 

1785 

Slate  

1785 

( ( 

1800 

Red  sandstone  (soft)  . 

1800 

( ( 

1840 

Lime  

1840 

( ( 

1860 

Dark  Sand  (Bayard)  . . 

1860 

i ( 

1900 

Slate  and  shells 

1900 

( ( 

1953 

(Steel  line  measure.) 

Sand  (Elizabeth)  .... 

1953 

( ( 

1990 

Black  slate  

1990 

1 i 

2050 

White  slate 

2050 

C ( 

2350 

Hard  lime 

2350 

( ( 

2515 

White  slate 

2515 

( ( 

2539 

Total  depth 

2539 

Tills  record  reveals  tlie  “shelly”  and  “split-up”  condition 


of  the  Gordon,  Fourth  and  Fifth  Sands.  The  well  begins  about 
520  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  hence  the  sands  at  1860 
and  1953  rei?resent  the  Bayard  and  Elizaheth  horizons  respec- 
tively. 

A large  gas  held  has  recently  been  developed  northwest  from 
Barrackville,  Marion  county,  bv  the  Fairmont,  Fayette,  Hope 
and  other  Gas  companies. 

The  folhrwing  record  of  the  Eli  M.  Rex  AA^ell,  No.  1,  drilled 
by  the  Hope  Natural  Gas  Company  will  give  the  succession  there. 

It  is  located  about  three  miles  north  20°  west  from  Barrack- 
ville, and  the  record  reads  as  follow%s : 

Eli  M.  Rex  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  

0 

to 

16 

Native  Coal  (Sewickley)  

255 

{ ( 

260 

Pittsburs:  Coal 

365 

( ( 

375 

Salt  Sand  

1300 

Little  Time 

15F5 

( 1 

1610 

Pencil  cave 

1610 

( 1 

1615 

Bia;  lime 

1615 

1 { 

1735 

Bie:  Injun  Sand 

1735 

1840 

Verv  liglit  gas  at 

1755 

Slate  and  shells  to 

1900 

Sand  (Squaw)  

1900 

i 1 

1925 

Slate  to  

1940 

Lime  to  

Slate  to  

1980 

Sand  

2010 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


Wliiie  limo  2050 

Satid  2075 

Slate  2000 

Lime 2110 

Slnte  2120 

Time  2135 

Slnte  2145 

Snnd  2105 

Time  2180 

Sand  2180  ''  2235 

Slnte  224^5 

Tiime  2255 

Sand  (Ganrz)  2275 

Slate  2280 

Sand  2305 

Lime  2310 

Slate  2315 

Lime  2320 

Sand  2330 

Led  rock * 2335 

Sand 2340 

• Slate  2345 

Sand  2405 

Red  rock  2410 

Sand  2420 

Pod  rock  2425 

Sand  2445 

Pod  rock  2455 

Smid  (^^Thirty-fooG’)  2455  2480 

Ped  rock  2400 

Snnd,  lime  and  shells 2520 

T.ime  shells  2535 

Snnd  (Gordon)  2550 

T>ime  2500 

TPack  slate  2570 

Tame  2575 

' Ped  rock  2585 

I Time  2500  . 

I Sand  (kkmrlh)  2000 

I T/ime 2005 

I Slate  2020 

Line  lime 2025 

Llaek  slate 2035 

Time 2045 

Sand  (Fifth)  2055 

Slate  2075 

Lime  2080 

Soft  black  slate 2005 

Lime  to  2721 


15d 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (MARION) 


Bayard  Sand 

Lime 

Slate  

Lime  

Slate  

Total  depth  . 


2721  2749 

2755 
2800 
2810 
2873 
2873 


The  sand  struck  at  2721  feet,  2356  feet  below  the  Pittsburg 
coal,  has  been  termed  the  Fifth  Sand  by  the  driller,  but  it  is 
evidently  equivalent  to  the  Bayard. 


Near  the  headwaters  of  Dunkard  Mill  run,  which  puts  into 
Buffalo  creek  between  Barrackville  and  Farmington,  Marion 
county,  several  large  gas  wells  have  been  struck,  one  of  which, 
drilled  by  the  Fayette  County  Gas  Company  on  the  Connor  farm, 
gives  the  following  succession,  according  to  Mr.  F.  G.  Best,  Dis- 
trict Superintendent: 

Connor  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet.  ■ 

Conductor  

21 

Sewickley  Coal  

Pittsburg  Coal 

368 

Ten-inch  casing 

376 

Sand  

970 

(( 

1000 

‘^Bie:”  Dnnkard  Sand 

1095 

to 

1120 

‘‘Gas’’  Sand  

1160 

(C 

1205 

Salt  Sand  

1295 

( c 

1400 

Cased  814-inch 

1307 

Big  Lime 

1630 

( ( 

1710 

Cased  6%-inch 

1630 

Pig  Inimi  Sand 

1710 

( 1 

1830 

Gnntz  Sand 

2240 

( 1 

2260 

Fiftv-foot  Sand 

2280 

( ( 

2295 

Fonrth  Sand 

( ( 

2585 

Bayard  Sand  

27.32 

1 ( 

2752 

Finished  

2757 

Packer  set 

2717 

Pressure. 

1st 

minute  

.275 

Oth  minnte  

..825 

11/2 

i i 

.370 

7 

i ( 

..875 

2 

i i 

.440 

8 

( i 

..900 

3 

( c 

.550 

i) 

i ( 

. .925 

4 

1 1 

1=35 

i i 

. . 935 

5 

i ( 

.740 

15 

i i 

,.950 

The  well  of  the  Fayette  Com.i)any  on  the  Athey  farm  in  this 


WEST  vruamrA.  geologio/Vl  survey 


155 


snnie  reiuoii,  ^-ave  the  following  succession,  accoi’ding  to  Mr.  F.  G. 
Best : 


Athey  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  

16 

(Sewickley)  Mapletown  Coal  .... 

260' 

Pittsburg  Coal  

357 

to 

367 

Cased  10-inch 

370 

Tu'ttle  Dunkard  Sand  

068 

< i 

1002 

“Big’’  Dunkard  Sand 

1000 

1 ( 

1115 

“Gas”  Sand  

1158 

( c 

1200 

Salt  Sand  (8^"  casing  1310') .... 

1200 

i i 

1305  (water) 

Maxton  Sand 

1478. 

( { 

1406 

Little  Lime  

1618 

( c 

1628 

Big  Lime  (Cased  0%"  1697') 

1634 

( 1 

1714 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1718 

i i 

1805 

Gas  at  

1770 

Sand 

1809 

( ( 

1830 

Sand  (Squaw)  

1900 

{ ( 

1030 

Gantz  Sand  

2205 

( ( 

2235 

Fourth  Sand 

2560 

( ( 

2580 

Fifth  Sand  

2005 

( ( 

2612 

Bayard  Sand  (gas)  

2730 

Finished  

2750 

Pressure. 

Ist  minute 200  pounds  lOtli  minute 1000  pounds 

2nd  minute 350  pounds  Boek  pressure 1100  pounds 

The  original  ‘‘rock  pressure”  in  the  Bayard  Sand  of  this 

region  was  1100  pounds,  the  same  as  on  the  Thomas  Bayard  farm, 

near  Waynesburg. 

A well  drilled  on  the  E.  W.  TTamilton  farm.  Plum  run, 
three  to  four  miles  east  from  Mannington,  by  the  Hope  Natural 
Gas  Company  shows  the  following  results,  according  to  the 
driller’s  log: 

E.  W.  Hamilton  Well,  No.  1. 


, Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal '000 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 1020  to  1035 

, Big  Dunkard  Sand  lOPO  “ 1140 

Cas  Saul  1410  “ 14S0 

Salt  Sand  1520  ‘‘  1000 

. Big  Lime 1P7')  1037 

Bir  Injun  Sand  (gas  2029') 1037  “ 2007 

! “Fifty-foot”  Sand  (gas  2530') 2515  “ 2050 

k “ Stray  ” and  Gordon  Sands 2005  “ 2745 


15G 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KEGOKDS  (MAKION) 


Fourth  Sand  (g-as  2850') 2835  ''  2890 

Bayard  Sand  (gas  3020') 2990 

Total  depth 3025 


The  gas  in  this  well  was  obtained  at  2420  feet  below  the 
Pittsburg  coal,  and  is  undoubtedly  from  the  Bayard  Sand,  al- 
though called  thO  Fifth”  in  the  driller’s  log  and  on  the  books 
of  the  Hope  Company. 

Two  miles  south  from  Fairview  (Amos  Postofhce),  the 
Fisher  Oil  Company  reports  the  following  succession  in  the 
Brown  gas  well : 

. G.  W.  Brown  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

rondnctor  12 

Pittsburg  Coal 464 

Big  Injun  Sand  (eas  at)  top  pay 1892 

Fif tv-foot  Sand  . " !! 2365  to  2410 

Fourth  Sand  2685 

Little  gas 2687 

Bayard  Sand  (gas)  2838 

Total  depth 2929 

Ten-inch  casing 480 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 964 

Six  and  five-eights-inch  casing 1470 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  casing  . . . .1970 


The  following  records  are  from  near  Fairview  or  Amos, 
IMarion  county,  where  the  Fisher  Oil  Company  first  developed 
good  producing  wells  in  the  Bayard  Sand  by  drilling  down  a well 
which  had  been  productive  in  the  Big  Injun  Sand: 

P.  B.  Amos  Well,  No.  11. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  602 

Dunkard  Sand 1110  to  1154 

Salt  Sand  (water  1480')  1400  1610 

IMaxton  Sand  1680  1700 

Pencil  cave  . •. 1830  1840 

Big  Lime  1840  1910 

Big  Injun  Sand 1910  ''  2210 

‘‘Fiftv-foot”  Sand  2530 

‘‘Stray”  2810 

Fourth  Sand 2840 

Bayard  Sand  3008 

J'list  pay  (production  75  bbls.  dail}^ 3009 

Total  depth  3028 


WEST  VmGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY  157 

A.  Conaway  Well,  No.  15. 

One  mile  and  a half  north  of  Amos.  Authority,  South  Penn 
Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg'  Coal  (S93  to  903 

Dimkard  Sand  1394 

‘‘Gas’’  Sand  1559 

Salt  Sand  1781 

Big  Lime 2126 

Pencil  cave  2114 

Big  Injun  2196  “ 2359 

First  pay  (just  a small  show  of  oil) 2291 

“Fifty-foot’  Sand  2806 

Fourth  Sand 3098 

Bayard  Sand  (gas  enough  to  run  boiler, 

3293')  ..." 3293  ‘.‘  3323 

Oil  (production  25  barrels  daily) 3315 

Total  depth  33331/2 

J.  P.  Yost  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  600 

Dunkard  Sand 1100  to  1170 

Salt  Sand  1450  “ 1500 

Pencil  cave 1830 

Big  Lime  1840  “ 1900 

Big  Injun  (small  show  oil  2005') 1910  “ 2060 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand  (Berea?) 2385  “ 2415 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand' 2520  “ 2575 

“Stray”  2785  “ 2805 

Fourth  Sand  2845  “ 2870 

Bayard  Sand  (small  gas,  3020') 3015 

M.  E.  Brookover  Well,  No.  4. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  702 

Dunkard  Sand  1200 

Salt  Sand  1500 

Big  Lime  1930 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil  and  water  2130') . . . .2000  to  2140 

“Thirty-foot”  (Berea?)  '...2500 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  2500 

Fourtli  Sand  2930 

Bayard  Sand  (i)roduction  200  bbls  daily)  .3125 

Total  depth 3135 

This  well  came  in  with  a production  of  200  barrels  daily  in 
July,  1903,  and  is  still  yielding  (June  5,  1904)  68  barrels,  thus 


158 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOEDS  (MAEION) 


illustrating  the  remarkable  ‘^staying”  qualities  of  the  Bayard 
Sand  oil  production. 

Just  below  Mannington,  the  Burt  Oil  Company  drilled  sev- 
eral wells  on  the  old  Burt  farm,  the  producing  sand  being  the 
“Big  Injun.”  The  Pitsburg  coal  lies  about  400  feet  below  the 
valley. 

Burt  No.  2 gave  the  following  record,  according  to  the  Burt 
Oil  Company’s  books: 

Burt  Well,  No.  2. 


to 


Feet. 

Pittsbiu’g  Coal,  bottom 441 

Big  Injun  Sand  1778 

First  ^‘  Pay” 1853 

Second  “Pay” 1860 

Total  depth  1877 

Burt  well  No.  14,  near  Mannington,  was  the  first  well  m that 
field  to  be  drilled  to  the  deep  sands.  Its  record  reads  as  follows : 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 510 

Big  Injun  Sand 1838 

First  pay  . . . .• 1914 

Second  pay 1924 

Fourth  Sand  (oil  2728')  2723 

Dark  slate,  soft 2742 

Fifth  Sand  2762 

Slate,  dark  to  bottom 2788 

This  sand,  at  2723  feet,  was  termed  the 
when  first  struck  on  the  Burt  farm,  and  the  oil  fraternity  has 
ever  since  given  that  name  (“Cordon”)  to  this  sand,  which,  in 
the  Mannington  region,  lies  2200  to  2220  feet  below  the  Pittsburg 
coal,  and  which,  on  Whetstone  run,  two  miles  southwest  from 
Mannington,  furnished  wells  which  produced  over  3000  barrels 
daily. 

The  following  record  of  Purbee  Well  No.  1,  located  in  Man- 
nington, is  given  on  the. authority  of  the  Burt  Oil  Company: 

Furhee  Well,  No.  1 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  400 

Limestone  450 

Slate  490 

Cas  500 

Red  i-ock  620 


2742 
2762 
2788 
3000 
Gordon”  Sand 


Feet. 


to  470 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


159 


Diniliard  Sand  950 

Salt  Sand  1350  1450 

Injun  Sand  (oil  1840)  1752  1873 

Fourth  Sand  (oil  2021')  2021 

Total  depth  2031 


About  two  miles  west  froniMannington  the  Burt  Oil  Company 
drilled  two  wells  on  the  “Paddy”  Hopkins  lot  in  what  has  been 
termed  the  Ilafer  pool.  The  records  of  these  wells  read  as 


follows : 

Faddy  Hopkins  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  404 

“Got  some  gas  in  Gantz  Sand,”  also  in  the  “Fifty- 

foot”  

First  pay  (Fourth  Sand) 2083 

Second  pay  (mostly  gas)  2087 

Ten-inch  Casing  380 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  Casing 1020 

Six  and  five-eights-ineh  Casing 1539 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  Casing 1905 

Faddy  Hopkins  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Inches. 

Pittsburg  Coal,  bottom  471 

Stray  Sand,  bottom  2008 

Fourth  Sand  2078  (i 

First  pay 2087  0 

Ten-inch  Casing 220 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  Casing 1000 

Six  and  tlve-eighths-inch  Casing 1480 

Five  and  tliree-sixteenths-inch  Casing 1970 


Flat  run  puts  into  Buffalo  creek  about  two  miles  above  ^lan- 
nington,  and  along  it  many  oil  wells  have  been  drilled,  in  fact, 
this  productive  belt  which  extends  from  Buffalo  creek  in 
Marion  northwestward  almost  across  Monongalia,  received  its 
name  “Flat  Run  Oil  Belt”  from  the  stream  in  question.  The 
j) reducing  sand  is  the  Fourth,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  two  follow- 
ing records  obtained  from  the  Hartman  Oil  Company: 

William  0.  Efaw  Well,  No.  3. 

Feel.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1003 

Dunkard  Sand 1520  to  1570 

“Gas”  Sand  1678  “ 1788 

Salt  Sand  1890  “ 1945  * 

Pencil  cave 2221 


160 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (MARION) 


Injun  Sand 2275  ''  2435 

Berea  Grit  2cS00  “ 2900 

Gantz  Sand  (gas,  2910') 2905  2930 

Fifty-foot’’  Sand 2950  3050 

Fourth  Sand  319cS  3228 

First  oil 3218 

Second  oil 3222 

Ten-inch  Casing 305 

Fight  and  one-fourth-inch  Casing 1440 

Six  and  five-eighths-ineh  Casing 2100 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  Casing  ...2440 

Four-inch  Liner 300 

Wju.  0.  Efaw  Well,  No.  6. 

Flat  run,  Marion  county.  Near  Monongalia  county  line. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1150 

Dnnkard  Sand 1645  to  1740 

Gas  Sand 1885  1955 

Salt  Sand  2065  ‘‘  2100 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2540') 2460  2630 

‘Mdiirty-foot”  Sand  (Berea)  2850  2870 

Gantz  Sand 3040  3045 

‘Mhfty-foot”  Sand  (gas,  3075) ’....3070 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  3364-3375') 3360  3380 

Total  depth 3380 

Eiglit  Olid  one-fonrth-inch  Casing 1661 

Six  and  live-enghths-inch  Casing 2630 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  Liner  ....  225 


At  the  head  of  Whetstone  run,  three  miles  southwest  from 
IVIannington,  the  Hartman  Oil  Company  found  the  following  suc- 
cession in  well  No.  1 of  the  I less  & Tetrick  lands : 


Hess  & Tetrick  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

692 

Big  liijnn  Sand  . 

2054 

to 

2155 

Gantz  Sand 

2606 

i i 

2637 

‘ ‘ Fifty-foot  ’ ’ Sand 

2641 

Fourth  Sand  (gas)  

2886 

< i 

2903 

Tlie  same  (ilartniaii)  Company  drilled  some  weds  on  the 
Farrell  heirs’  farm,  Mannington  district,  and  No.  1 thereon  gave 
the  following  succession  : 

Farrell  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

. Feet.  Feet. 


Pittslinrg  Coal  828 

Dunkard  Sand  1320 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  161 


‘‘Gas”  Sand 1580 

I'oncil  cave  2075 

Big  Lime 2085 

Big  Tnjiin  Sand 2141  to  2340 

(Gas,  21()0';  oil,  2245'.) 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 2770 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand 2890 

“Stray”  Sand 2970 

Fourth  Sand  (gas,  3011;  oil,  3012') 3007  “ 3020 


The  saiul  called  “Gordon  Stray”  by  the  drillers  is  most 
pi'obably  the  eciuivalent  of  the  Campbells  Fun  Sand. 

The  records  of  the  Hartman  Oil  Company  for  the  John 
Shanks  wells  Nos.  4 and  5,  near  Mannington,  read  as  follows: 


John  thanks  Well,  No.  4. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. 487 

Diuikard  Sand 

. 998 

to 

1033 

Salt  Sand  

.1390 

i ( 

1528 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1780 

( ( 

1952 

Gantz  Sand 

.2412 

i 1 

2437 

‘ ‘ Fifty-foot  ’ ’ Sand 

.2440 

i 1 

2482 

Foui’th  Sand 

.2710 

{ ( 

2720 

John  Shanks 

Well, 

No. 

5. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Bluff  Sand  

. 250 

to 

325 

Mapletowii  Coal 

, . 445 

Pittsburg  Coal 

, . 549 

“Gas”  Saud  

.1210 

Salt  Sand  

.1445 

( ( 

1580 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1802')  . 

.1850 

< ( 

1995 

“ Thirty-fo(;t”  (Ilei'ea)  Sand 

.2370 

( 1 

2395 

Gantz  Sand 

.2480 

i 1 

2490 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  

.2495 

( ( 

2355 

Fourth  Sand 

. .277214 

Oil  at 

, .2784 

J.  11.  Furbee 

Well, 

No. 

.2. 

Near  Hannington,  Marion  county.  Authority,  Hartman  Oil  Com- 
pany. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

'744 

Duid-card  Sand 

1290 

to 

1335 

“Gas”  Sand  

1420 

( ( 

1535 

Salt  Sand  

1040 

< ( 

1700 

Ihg  Injun  Sand  

2085 

( ( 

2200 

Gantz  Sand 

2070 

c l 

2090 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 

2705 

i ( 

2705 

162 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IlECORDS  (MARION) 


^ ' Thirty-foot  ’ ^ Sand 2844  ‘ ^ 2865 

‘‘Stray’’  (Campbells  Run'  and 2900  “ 2930 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  2964')  2959  “ 2984 

Ten-inch  casing,  345';  8^"  casing,  1295';  6%"  casing,  1755'; 
5 3-16"  casing,  2225'. 

In  the  previous  record  the  driller  has  termed  a sand  the 
“Thirty-foot”  which  occurs  over  100  feet  above  the  “Fifty- 
foot  horizon,  and  then  in  the  Furbee  No.  2 he  has  given  the  same 
name  to  a sand  nearly  100  feet  below  the  “Fifty-foot”  Sand. 
The  latter  is  the  correct  interpretation,  as  may  be  seen  from 
the  type  records  quoted  from  Carll  in  his  Butler  county,  Pa., 
records,  as  given  on  previous  pages  of  this  volume,  and  hence 
the  use  of  the  term  “Thirty-foot”  for  a sand  at  about  1,750  to 
1,800  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  Coal  is  erroneous,  since  this  horizon 
is  probably  identical  with  the  Berea  Grit  of  other  regions. 

The  Hartman  Oil  Company  has  drilled  several  wells  on  the 
Nimrod  Morgan  farm,  along  the  B.  & 0.  R.  R.,  two  or  three  miles 
above  Mannington,  the  records  of  which  read  as  follows: 


Nimrod  Morgan  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 525 

“Gas”  Sand  1175 

Salt  Sand  1422 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1850') 1838 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  2448  to  2528 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand 2548 

“Stray”  Sand 2700 

Fourth  Sand  (first  pay) 2745 


Gas,  big,  at  2710';  gas  at  2750';  gas  at  2755'. 

Ten-inch  casing,  463';  8V2''  casing,  1100';  614''  casing,  1522'; 
5 3-16"  casing,  2000'. 

N.  Morgan  Well,  No.  2. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

630 

Salt  Sand 

1540  to 

1560 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1930 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 

“Stray”  Sand 

2565 

2804 

Fourth  Sand  

2857 

Total  depth 

2879 

N.  Morgan 

Well,  No.  3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

458 

Little  Duiikard  Sand 

850 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  S^UliVEY 


103 


Big  Dunkard  Sand 

....1100 

to 

1145 

‘^Gas”  Sand  

. . . .1200 

i 1 

1325 

Salt  Sand  

....1355 

i i 

1490 

Big  Injun  Sand 

. . . .1800 

( ( 

1945 

Sand  (Berea)  

....2330 

1 < 

2300 

Gantz  Sand 

. . . .2385 

< ( 

2397 

‘^Pifty-foot”  Sand 

....2405 

1 ( 

2490 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  2083')  

( ( 

2700 

Nimrod  Morgan  Well, 

No.  5. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

462 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 

....  840 

to 

865 

Dunkard  Sand 

....  990 

( ( 

1005 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  

....1089 

( ( 

1120 

Salt  Sand  

1372 

( ( 

1540 

Big  Injun  Sand 

....1780 

( i 

1912 

Sand  (Berea?)  

....2255 

( ( 

2275 

Gantz  Sand 

....2400 

( ( 

2410 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 

....2415 

( ( 

2510 

“Stray”  

2035 

( ( 

2075 

Fourth  Sand 

2081 

( i 

2703 

(One  pay  good  sand,  2693-2703. 

) 

Nimrod  Morgan  Well, 

No.  7. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

482 

Dunkard  Sand 

....  990 

to 

1020 

“Gas”  Sand  

1105 

( i 

1275 

Salt  Sand  

1375 

< i 

1520 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  at  1905) 

1775 

( i 

1920 

Sand  (Berea?)  

2275 

i i 

2295 

(iantz  Sand 

2400 

1 i 

2412 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 

2415 

i ( 

2470 

“Stray”  (Campbells  Bun)  Sand  ... 

2045 

( i 

2083 

Fourth  Sand  (oil  2708') 

2099 

( i 

2714 

(Good  Sand  2707-2714.) 

'en-ineh  casing,  490';  8^4"  casing,  1040';  0%' 

' casing, 

5 3-1  (r  causing,  1080'. 

About  two  miles  south  from  Manningtou,  the  Z,  Kendall 
well,  No.  3,  gives  the  following  succession,  according  to  the 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Z.  Kendall  Well,  No.  3. 


(Steel  line  measurements.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  

088  to 

095 

Pittsburg  Coal  

779  “ 

787 

Dunkard  Sand  

1270  “ 

1300 

OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (MAllION) 


lOt 


“Gas”  Sand  

c c 

1700 

Salt  Sand  

1780 

i ( 

1855 

Pencil  cave 

2060 

( ( 

2064 

Big  Lime 

2064 

( ( 

2145 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2145 

First  pay  (oil) 

2223 

Total  depth  

2255 

About  four  miles  southwest  from  Manriington,  the  P.  G. 
Hall  well,  No.  3,  p;ives  the  following  record,  as  reported  by  the 
South  Penn  Oil  Company : * 

P.  G.  Hall  Well,  No.  3. 


(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  506  to  511 

Pittsburg  Coal 603  612 

Diinkard  Sand  1033  1103 

^^Gas’’  Sand  1340  1470 

Salt  Sand  1575  1660 

Maxton  Sand 1710  1740 

Pencil  cave 1842  1847 

Big  Lime 1847  ''  1943 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2032') 1943  2073 

Sand 2493  2520 

‘^Fifty-foot”  Sand  (gas,  2598') 2593  “ 2640 

Stray  (Campbells  Run)  2758  “ 2775 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  2787') 2779  “ 2807 


The  Hartman  Oil  Company  has  drilled  several  .wells  in  the 
western  portion  of  Marion  county,  some  near  Glovers  Gap,  and 
some  near  Brink,  the  records  of  which  are  here  given : 

Lemley  & Ilihhs  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  east  of  Glovers  Gap. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 866 

Big  Injun  Sand 

(“Break”  5 ft.  at  2256-2261') 

2206 

to 

2281 

Bottom  

.2284.9 

Lemley  cC  Ilihhs  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 921 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2270 

to 

2337 

Bottom  

2404y2 

Lemley  & Ilihhs  Well,  No. 

3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. 841 

Big  Injun  Sand  (“Break,”  2237-2251) . . . 

2197 

to 

2263 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  105 

Rachel  Evans  Well,  No.  1. 

One  iiiilc  east  of  Brink  Postoffice. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1005 

P>ig  Tiijini  Sand 2305  to  2394 

‘‘Break,”  Slate 2394  “ 2409 

“Squaw”  Sand  2409  “ 244S 

Sand  3070  “ 3175 

Slate  3175  “ 3241 

Bottom 33451/2 

J.  TP.  Camphell  Well,  No.  1. 

Fppf  Feet 

“Bluff”  Sand  830*  to  955 

Pittsburg  Coal 1251 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1621 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1751  “ 1800 

“Gas”  Sand  2062  “ 2100 

Salt  Sand  2188  “ 2273 

Big  Injun  Sand 2524f^“  2649V2 

The  South  Penn  Oil  Comi)any  has  drilled  very  many  wells  in 
Marion  county,  and  the  following  records  are  given  upon  the 
authority  of  that  Company’s  books: 

Aaron  Furhee  Well,  No.  1. 

On  the  farm  of  Aaron  Furbee,  near  Glovers  Gap. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  670 

Mapletown  C('al  5 to  675 

, Unrecorded  to  767 

Pittsburg  Coal 7 “ 774 

Unrecorded  to  1268 

' Dunkard  Sand  (81/4"  casing  1274') 77  “ 1345 

Unrecorded  to  1442 

“Gas”  Sand  (water  at  1545')  133  “ 1575 

Unrecorded  to  1698 

. Salt  Sand  12  “ 1710 

Unrecorded  to  2072 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  at  2085')  (6%"  cas- 
ing 2088')  (oil  and  water  at  2175') .. . 191  “ 2263 

Unrecorded  to  2720 

r Uty-iooL  Sand  35  “ 2'755 

I’urecoi'ded  to  2820 

Thirty-foot  Sand  (5  bailers  oil ) 45  “ 2865 

Unix’corded  to  2908 

Stray  Sand 24  “ 2932 

Unrectiided  to  Goi'don  Sainl  ((kinipbells 

Run)  and  oil  at 2939 


166 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECORDS  (MARION) 


T»()ttom 2967 

Tjusetta  Snodgrass  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Glover’s  Gap. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unreeordecl  to  800 

Mapletown  Coal  5 to  805 

Unrecorded  to  895 

Pittsburg  Coal  10  905 

Uni'ecorded  to  1415 

Dmikard  Sand  (cased  8i/4"  at  1429') 14  1429 

Unrecorded  to  1700 

Salt  Sand  15  1715 

(Balance  of  Salt  Sand  represented  by 
slate  and  shells.) 

Unrecorded  to  2130 

Lime 65  2195 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (cased  6%"  2198') 140  2335 

(Water  at  2300';  hole  filled  up  1900'.) 

‘‘Squaw”  Sand 55  “ 2390 

Unrecorded  to  (cased  5 3-16"  2424') 2925 

Fifty-foot  Sand  (show  of  oil  at  2940') ...  34  “ 2959 

Unrecorded  to  bottom  of  liner  3067') ....  3067 

Gordon  Sand  (Campbells  Run) 23  “ 3090 

Oil  at  first  pay  3068';  second  pay  3073'. 

Bottom  of  well 3090  2-3 

Feet.  Feet. 

E.  J.  Freeland  Well,  No.  1. 

Unrecorded  to  Pittsburg  Coal  at  (cased 

10"  at  410) 1025 

Unrecorded  to  1535 

Dunkard  Sand  (cased  8i/4"  at  1635') 50  to  '1585 

Unrecorded  to  1704 

“Gas”  Sand 138  “ 1842 

Unrecorded  to  1952 

Salt  Sand  78  “ 2030 

Unrecorded  to  2275 

Pencil  cave 5 “ 2280 

Ifimestone,  white 62  “ 2342 

Big  Tnjun  Sand  (oil  at  2458;  second  oil  at 

2466)  163  “ 2505 

Unrecorded  to  2835 

Sand,  Gantz  25  “ 2860 

Unrecorded  to  2963 

Fifty-fcw'ot  Sand  (gas  at  2978') 52  “ 3015 

Unrecorded  to  3198 

“Stray”  Sand  (Campbells  Run) 24  “ 3222 

Slate  6 “ 3228 

Sand  (Fourth  and  Fifth)  71  “ 3299 


WEST  VIJlGrNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


107 


(Slate  break  3265  to  3208')  (oil  at 
3277') 

Bottom  of  well 3299 

Simon  Moore  'Well,  No.  1. 

On  the  farm  of  Simon  IMoore,  west  of  Campbells  run,  in  Man- 
nington  district,  Marion  county. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  

945 

Pittsburg  Coal 

...  7 

to 

952 

Unrecorded  to  

1430 

Dnnkard  Sand 

...  40 

Cl 

1470 

Unrecorded  to  

1580 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  

...  80 

C 1 

1660 

Unrecorded  to  

1850 

Salt  Sand  

...  100 

Cl 

1950 

Unrecorded  to  

2200 

Pencil  cave 

...  6 

Cl 

2206 

Big  Lime 

...  67 

tf 

2273 

Break  (slate)  

...  6 

Cl 

2279 

Big  Injim  Sand  

...  103 

1 c 

2382 

Unrecorded  to  

2655 

Thirty-foot  Sand  (Berea)  

...  30 

C 1 

2685 

Unrecorded  to  

2846 

Gantz-Sand 

...  5 

c c 

2850 

Unrecorded  to  

2888 

Fifty-foot  Sand  

. ..  46 

cc 

2934 

Unrecorded  to  

3088 

“Stray”  Sand 

...  12 

IC 

3100 

Unrecorded  to  

3112 

Gordon  Sand  (oil  at  3113')  (Campbells 

Rim)  

...  46 

cc 

3158 

Unrecorded  to  

3164 

Founb  Sand  

16 

c c 

3180 

Unrecorded  to  

3195 

Fifth  Sand  

...  9 

c c 

3204 

Bottom  of  well 

3218 

K.  Moore’s  Heirs’  Well, 

No.  1. 

Campbells  run,  Marion  county. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  

16 

Slate  and  limestone 

...1074 

to 

1090 

Mapletown  Coal 

...  5 

cc 

1095 

Limestone  

...  180 

cc 

1175 

Pittsburg  Coal 

...  10 

cc 

1185 

Limestone  and  red  rock  (cased  814'' 

at 

1662')  

...  485 

c c 

1670 

Diinkard  Sand 

...  80 

cc 

1750 

1«8 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS  (MARION) 


Slate  and  Sand  

Salt  Sand  

Slate  and  limestone  (eased  G%"  at  2434') 

Big  Rime 

r>ig  Injun  Sand  (cased  5 3-lG"  at  2G32')  . . 

Sand  

Slate  and  shells 

Limestone  and  slate  

Fifty-foot  Sand 

Sand  shells 

Sand  

Shells  

^ ^ Stray  Sand 

Slate  

Gordon  Sand  (Campbells  Run)  

First  pay 

Second  pay 

Bottom  of  well 


350  ^ 
IGO  ' 
195  ' 
G5  ' 
140  ' 
40  ^ 
50  ' 
400  ^ 
30  ' 
110  ' 
12  ‘ 
10  ^ 
10  ^ 
8 ' 
10  ‘ 


7.  E.  Arnett  Well,  No.  1. 
Campbells  run,  Marion  county,  close  to  the  Monoi 


line. 


Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  

Unrecorded  to  

Dunkard  Sand  (cased  8I/4"  at  13G8')  .... 

Unrecorded  to  

‘‘Gas”  Sand  

L^nreeorded  to  Salt  Sand  at 

Unrecorded  to  (cased  G%"  1940')  

Big  Injun  Sand  

Unrecorded  to  Tliirty-foot  Sand  (cased 

5 3-10"  at  237G')' 

Unrecorded  to  

Gantz  Sand  

“Break”  (slate)  

Fifty-foot  Sand 

Unrecorded  to  

“Stray”  Sand  

Slate  (bottom  of  liner  3035') 

Gordon  Sand  

First  i)ay  

Second  pay  

Bottom  of  well 


30  ‘ 
27  ‘ 

170  ‘ 

10  ‘ 
5 ‘ 
53  ‘ 

15  ‘ 
15  ‘ 

29  ‘ 


Scott  Arnett  Well,  No.  1. 
Campbells  rnn,  Marion  county. 

Feet. 

Flevati<  n above  tide,  1247. 

“Bluff”  Sand  


‘ 2100 
‘ 22G0 

‘ 2455 

‘ 2520 

‘ 2GG0 
‘ 2700 

‘ 2750 

‘ 3150 

‘ 3180 

‘ 3290 

‘ 3302 

‘ 3312 

‘ 3322 

‘ 3330 

‘ 3340 

3331 
3340 
3340 


igalia  county 

Feet. 

876 
1360 
‘ 1390 

1643 
‘ 1670 

1791 
2181 
‘ 2351 

2671 
2810 
‘ 2820 
‘ 2825 

‘ 2878 

3005 
‘ 3020 

‘ 3035 

C 3064 
3035 
3053 
3064 


Feet. 

650 


WEST  VIIUUNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SULVEY  JO') 

UnrcM'or'led  (o  Arn})lel()wn  Coal  at 010 

U!iro(M;r(le(l  to  Pit tsburii:  Coal  at 1010 

Unrooonled  to  1505 

Dnnkard  Saod  (eased  Sy/'  at  1521') 75  1580 

Slate  50  1630 

Cas  Sand  (water  at  1640')  130  1760 

Salt  Sand  110  1870 

Slate  50  1920 

Red  reek  and  sand  shells 180  2100 

Lime  shells 80  2180 

Limestone  and  sand  70  2250 

F>io'  Lime  (cased  6%"  at  2300') 70  ‘‘  2320 

yP>reak’’  (slate)  20  ‘‘  2340 

P>i£>' Tninn  Sand  (water  at  2440) 120  “ 2460 

Sand,  hard  50  2510 

Shells  and  hard  sand  (cased  5 3-16"  at 

2539')  200  2710 

Slate  and  sand  shells 230  ‘‘  2940 

Cxantz  Sand  45  2985 

Fifty-foot  Sand 45  3030 

Unrecorded  to  3159 

^^Stray’’ Sand 13  3172 

Slate  3 3175 

Gordon  Sand  (Campbells  Run) 27  ‘‘  3202 

First  pay 3176 

Second  pay 3179 

Pottom  of  well 3202 

^ II envy  Rice’s  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

Flat  run,  Marion  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

TTn recorded  to  690 

'MllnfU’  Sand  70  to  760 

(’oal  (Waynesbnr^)  3 “ 763 

Unrecorded  to  770 

Sand  46  816 

Unrecoi-dedyo  Maj)letowii  (^oal  at 1034 

Ibn-ecorded  to  1137 

Pittsbnrs:  Coal 6 1143 

Uni-ecorded  to  1650 

l)nnkai*d  Sand  (cased  8)/4"  at  1675') 60  1710 

ITni-ecorded  to  1828 

“Gas”  Sand  80  “ 1908 

Unrecorded  to  2000 

Salt  Sand  74  “ 2071 

Uni-ecorded  to  (cased  6%''  2187') 2342 

Pemdl  cave 6 “ 2348 

lliii:  Lime 72  “ 2420 

Pij^  Injun  Sand 143  “ 2563 


170 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOEDS  (MARION) 


Show  of  oil,  2510';  salt  water,  2528'. 

Unrecorded  to  (cased  5 3-1 G"  at  2598') . . . 2900 

Thirty-foot  Sand  (Berea?)  90  2990 

Oil  at 2997 

Unrecorded  to  2997 

Gantz  Sand 11  3008 

Unrecorded  to  3035 

Fifty-foot  Sand  (gas  at  3045') 72  3107 

Unrecorded  to  3280 

‘‘Stray”  Sand  (Campbells  Run) 38  “ 3318 

Unrecorded  to  3342 

Fourth  Sand  (oil  at  3346')  24  “ 3366 

Bottom  of  well 3374 

James  Price  Well,  No.  1. 

Flat  run,  IMarion  county. 

Feet. ' Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  050 

“Bluff”  Sand  50  to  700 

Unrecorded  to  976 

Mapletown  Coal -8  “ 984 

Unrecorded  to  1054 

Pittsburg  Coal  6 “ 1060 

Unrecorded  to  1552 

Dunkard  Sand 58  “ 1610 

Unrecorded  to  1700 

■ “Gas”  Sand  *80  “ 1780 

Unrecorded  to  1900 

Salt  Sand  (water  at  1920') 40  * “ 1940 

Unrecorded  to  2260 

Pencil  c-ave 5 “ 2265 

Unrecorded  to  2315 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  and  water  at  2320')  175  “ 2490 

Unrecorded  to 2510 

Sand  (Squaw)  40  “ 2550 

Unrecorded  to  (show  of  oil  2920  to  2990', 

gas  at  2960') 3010 

Fifty-^foot  Sand  20  “ 3130 

Red  sand 10  “ 3140 

Unrecorded  to  3160 

Thirty-foot  Sand 20'“  3180 

L^nrecorded  to  3210 

“Stray”  Sand  (Campbells  Run) 30  “ 3240 

Fourth  Sand  at  3256 

Oil  at 3275 

Second  pay 3280 

Sanford  Toothman  Well,  No.  1. 

On  Flat  run,  Marion  county. 


WEkST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  171 

Feot.  Feet. 

recorded  to  130 

Sand  15  to  145 

T^nrecorded  to  Mapletown  Coal  at 915 

Unrecorded  to  Pittsburg-  Coal  at 1000 

Unrecorded  to  1160 

Sand  (water)  15  1175 

Unrecorded  to  Sand  at 1440 

Unrecorded  to  (cased  at  1470') 1490 

Dunkard  Sand  130  ''  1620 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  at 1660 

Unrecorded  to  1870 

Salt  Sand  (water  at  1930')  (eased  6%"  at 

1950')  80  “ 1950 

Unrecorded  to  . 2200 

Pencil  cave 6 “ 2206 

Unrecorded  to  2250 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  at  2270')  (show  of  oil 

at  2350')  140  “ 2390 

Sand  at  (cased  5 3-16"  at  2445') 2475 

TTnrecorded  to  2900 

Sand  (Gantz)  (show  of  oil  at  2900) 15  “ 2915 

Unrecorded  to  2930 

Sand  (Fifty-foot)  30  “ 2960 

Unrecorded  to  2970 

Sand  20  “ 2990 

Unrecorded  to  3015 

Sand  10  “ 3025 

Unrecorded  to  3055 

Sand  15  “ 3070 

TTnrecorded  to  3140 

Sand  (Campbells  Bun)  20  “ 3160 

TTnrecorded  to  3203 

Fourth  Sand  (oil  from  3203  to  3205') ....  15  “ 3218 

Slate  6 “ 3224 

Fifth  Sand  44  “ 3268 

Bottom  of  well 3268 

W.  li.  Dickens  Well,  No.  1. 

Flat  run,  Marion  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

TTnrecorded  to  740 

Pittsburg  Coal 8 to  748 

Unrecorded  to  (cased  10"  at  860') 915 

Sand  30  “ 945 

TTnr-ecorded  295  “ 1240 

Dunkard  Sand 100  “ 1340 

TTnrecorded  to  1775 

Salt  Sand  20  “ 1795 


172 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  llECOEDS  (MAKION) 


IT?i  recorded  to  1970 

Pencil  cave 10  “ 1980 

P.i^cv  Lime 32  ''  2012 

Pig  Injun  Sand  (show  of  oil  2112') 150  2162 

Unrecorded  to  2647 

Gantz  and  Fifty-foot  Sands 104  2751 

Ihnecorded  to  2920 

‘^Stray’’ Sand  (Campbells  Run)  21  2941 

Um-ecorded  to  2960 

Fourth  Sand  26  2986 

First  pay  at 2969 

Second  pay  at  2973 

Bottom  of  well 2992 

Sarah  Condit  Well,  No.  1. 

Flat  run,  Clarion  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  Alapletown  Coal  at  (cased 

10"  at  400)  1035 

T^nrecorded  to  Pittsburg  Coal  at 1131 

Unrecorded  to  1650 

Dnnkard  Sand 45  to  1695 

Unrecorded  to  1825 

^^Gas’’  Sand  95  ''  1902 

Uni’ecorded  to  2157 

Salt  Sand  113  ''  2270 

Thirecorded  to  2360 

Pencil  cave  8 2368 

Big  Time  52  2420 

Big  Injun  Sand  135  ‘‘  2555 

Sand  45  2600 

Unrecorded  to  3050 

Gantz  and  Fifty-foot  Sands 100  3150 

Unrecorded  to  3329 

‘^Stray”  Sand  (Campbells  Rim)  25  3345 

Fourth  Sand  at 3352 

Fiist  pay  3354 

Bottom  of  well 3358 

Mike  Snyder  Well,  No.  2. 

Flat  run,  IMarion  county.  Elevation  above  tide,  1,174  feet. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Umeccaded  to  Pittsbuig  Coal  at 810 

Unrecorded  to  1343 

Dnnkard  Sand  (814"  casing,  1362') 70  ‘‘  1413 

Ibirecorded  to  1475 

‘Glas”  Sand  65  1540 

Unrecorded  to  1810 

Salt  Sand  110  1920 


WEST  VriidTNIA  GEOLOGK’.AL  SURVEY  17:5 

Uiirocordcd  to  2010 

Pencil  cave 0 ‘‘  2010 

Pdg  Idnie  (cased  0%''  at  211(5')  121  2137 

P)!!*'  Injun  Sand  (oil  at  2211')  (cased, 

" 5 3-1(5,  22(51')  133  2270 

Unrecorded  to  2710 

Gantz  Sand  45  2755 

Unrecorded  to  2770 

Fifty-foot  Sand  35  2805 

Unrecorded  to  ^^Tliirty-fooU’  Sand  at...  2825 

Uni’ecorded  to  . 2970 

Stray”  Sand  (Campbells  Knn)  55  “ 3025 

Fourth  Sand  at  (oil  at  3044  and  3060') . . 3032  6" 

, Pol  tom  of  well 3064 

Joseph  Hayhurst  Well,  No.  1. 

About  two  miles  from  Brink  Bostoffice,  in  Clarion  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  844 

Pittsburg-  Coal  11  to  855 

Unrecorded  to  1327 

Dunkard  Sand  (cased  81/4"  at  1352')  ....  38  1365 

Unrecorded  to  Salt  Sand  at  (gas  at  1870')  1750 

Unrecorded  to  1990 

Sand  (Alaxton)  40  ‘‘  2030 

(Oil,  steel  line,  2000;  oil  and  water 
2020') 

Unrecorded  to  (cased  6%",  2120) 2143 

P)ig-  Injun  Sand  (water)  107  2250 

Unrecorded  to  2760 

Fifty-foot  Sand  (pebbly)  (gas  at  2790')  45  2805 

Sami  and  slate 188  ‘‘  2993 

(SJiow  of  oil  at  2823';  and  2981',  in 
pebbly  sand) 

Gordon  Sand  (Campbells  Run) 37  3030 

(Gas  show;  increase,  3000') 

(Show  of  oil,  3005')  (Gas  at  3010') 

Slate  58  3088 

IF.  N.  Cunnuigham  Well. 

On  the  head  of  Owen  Davy  run,  one  mile  east  from  Brink  Post- 
office,  Marion  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  500 

“muif”  Sand  50  to  550 

Unrecorded  to  904 

Pittsburg  Coal  6 910 

Unrecorded  to  (cased  8(4"  at  1247') 1400 

Dunkard  Sand  45  1445 


174 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOEDS  (MAKION) 


Unrecorded  to  1(S00 

Salt  Sand  145  1945 

Unrecorded  to  (cased  G%"  at  1988'  8") . . . 2170 

Pencil  slate  4 2174 

Big  Lime 37  2211 

Big  Injun  Sand  (no  gas,  water  or  oil) ....  125  2336 

Unrecorded  to  2820 

Gantz  Sand  40  2800 

Slate 10  2870 

Fifty-foot  Sand  10  2880 

Slate  35  ‘‘  2915 

Bed  rock 15  2930 

Sand  (pebbly)  (show  of  gas  at  2935') 

(‘‘30-FooU’)  15  ‘‘  2945. 

Slate  and  shells 65  3010 

‘‘Stray’’  Sand,  hard  and  close 25  “ 3035 

(Small  show  of  oil  at  3015') 

Slate,  black  7 “ 3042 

Gordon  Sand,  pebbly  (Campbells  Run)..  28  “ 3070 

(Gas  at  3145;  show  of  oil  3060'.) 

Slate,  black  30  “ 3100 

Sand,  black,  soft 9 “ 3109 

Slate,  black  30  “ 3139 

Bottom  3139 

J.  Mason  Gas  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Joetowu,  Marion  county. 

Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  128 

Pittsburg  Coal  228 

Big  Injun  Sand  ' 1600 

(Cased  6%"  at  1622'.) 

Gantz  Sand  2150 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2160 

“Stray”  Sand  2375 

Gordon  Sand  (two  streaks  of  gas) 2418 

Slate  2434 

Fourth  Sand  (increase  of  gas)  2437 

Slate  2454 

Sand  shell  (Fifth  Sand)  2476 

Black  slate  2480 

Bottom  of  well 2495 

Daniel  Mason  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Joetown,  Marion  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  475 

Pittsburg  Coal 9 to  484 

Unrecorded  to  900 


WEST  VIUGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


175 


Little  Duiikard  Sand  30  030 

Unrecorded  to  Dunkard  Sand  at 1020 

Unrecorded  to  1170 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  60  1230 

Unrecorded  to  1203 

Salt  Sand  137  1430 

Unrecorded  to  1463 

Sand  202  1665 

Unrecorded  to  1722 

Big  Lime  83  ''  1805 

Big  Injun  Sand  105  1010 

Unrecorded  to  2375 

Gantz  Sand  80  2455 

Slate  15  “ 2470 

Fifty-foot  Sand  at  (strong  gas  at  2475')  2470 

Unrecorded  to  ^ ‘ Thirty-fooU ’ Sand  at...  2600 

Stray  Sand  (Campbells  Run) 2640 

Fourth  Sand 2675 

Bottom  2750 

A.  Ashcraft  G.as  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Joetown,  Marion  county. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  280 

Bluff’’  Sand  40  320 

Unrecorded  to  Mapletown  Coal  at 535 

Unrecorded  to  Pittsburg  Coal  at 635 

Unrecorded  to  1055 

Dunkard  Sand * 55  “ 1110 

Unrecorded  to  (81/4"  casing  1155')  1320 

Sand  (gas)  80  1400 

Unrecorded  20  ‘‘  1420 

Sand  (water)  20  1440 

Unrecorded  to  1570 

Salt  Sand  100  1670 

Unrecorded  to  Pencil  cave  at 1880 

UnrecoTiled  to  1950 

Big  Injun  Sand  (6%"  casing  at  1969') . . . 100  2050 

Unrecorded  to  2520 

Gantz  Sand  16  2536 

Slate  5 2541 

Sand  10  2551 

Bedrock 4 ''  2555 

Sand  35  ''  2590 

Slate  15  2605 

Sand  35  2640 

Red  rock  and  slate 30  2670 

Sand  (‘^Thirty-foot”)  20  “ 2(590 

Slate  45  “ 2735 


176  OIL  AND  OAS  WELL  KECOllDS  (WETZEL; 


Sand  (Stray)  40  “ 2775 

Slate  and  shells 30  “ 2805 

Gordon  Sand  (Camp])ells  Rnn)  20  2825 

(Gas  at  6 ft.  in  Gordon  Sand.) 

Slate  20  ‘‘  2845 

Fourth  Sand  20  28G5 

Slate  to  bottom  at 2889 


WETZEL  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Wetzel  eoiiiity  lies  directly  west  from  Monongalia  and 
Marion,  and  oecn[)ies  the  bottom  of  the  great  Appalachian  trough. 
This  geosyncline  is  itself  traversed,  however,  by  several  low  anti- 
clinal folds  which  pass  across  Wetzel  county,  so  that  the  condi- 
tions for  oil  and  gas  accumulation  are  ideal.  Hence  it  has  resulted 
that  AVetzel  has  proven  the  Tanner  county  of  the  State  so  far  as 
oil  and  gas  production  is  concerned,  nearly  every  portion  of  its 
360  odd  s(piare  miles  of  area  being  productive  of  either  oil  or  gas 
in  paying  quantities.  The  productive  sands  of  Wetzel  county 
extend  from  the  Dunkard,  or  First  Cow  Run,  down  to  a sand 
2,225  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  Coal,  which  is  either  the  Fourth  or 
Fifth  of  the  Venango  Group,  but  the  most  of  the  production 
has  come  from  what  the  oil  fraternity  has  called  the  Gordon 
“Stray,”  and  regular  Gordon  Sand,  10  to  15  feet  lower,  and 
approximately  2,100  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  Coal.  The  ‘"Stray” 
is  the  great  gas  horizon  of  AVetzel,  and  has  also  produced  much 
oil.  The  Big  Injun  Sand  has  also  proven  very  prolific  of  oil  and 
gas  in  eastern  Wetzel,  while  recently  the  Max  ton  Sand,  an  oil 
horizon  first  developed  on  the  Alaxton  farm,  near  Sistersville,  in 
Tyler  county,  has  proven  quite  productive  of  oil  a j^hort  distance 
northeast  from  Burton.  This  sand  was  formerly  believed  to 
be  the  bottom  member  of  the  Pottsville,  but  the  records  from 
Wetzel  county  place  it  clearly  in  the  Mauch  Chunk  Red  Shale 
Series,  which  always  has  a sandy  horizon  near  its  center. 

We  shall  now  give  a number  of  records  from  the  several 
portions  of  Wetzel  county,  as  follows: 

Sol  Shriver  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  east  of  Burton.  Authority  Carter  Oil  Comj)any. 

Feet.  Feet. 

912  to  917 


Maple  town  Coal 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY  177 

Pittsburg  Coal 1012  1014 

Cave  1014  1032 

Little  Duiikard  Sand  1332  1376 

Dunkard  Sand  1410  1442 

Sand  1460  1925 

Little  Lime 2145  2160 

Big  Lime 2195  2280 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water  at  2505') 2280  ‘‘  2535 

Pencil  cave 2840  2870 

Gantz  Sand  2870  ‘‘  2966 

‘^Fifty-foot’’  Sand  2973  “ 3003 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand  (gas,  3029';  oil, 

3044')  3023  “ 3055 

“Stray”  Sand  3070  “ 3085 

Gordon  Sand  3105  “ 3175 

Fourth  Sand  3185  “ 3219 

Bayard  Sand  3377  “ 3383 

(Two-baiTel  well.) 

Jackson  Ilostutlei'  Well,  No.  1. 
wo  miles  northeast  of  Burton.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company-. 

E'ppf  E'ppt 

“Bluff”  Sand 926*  to  966 

Waynesbiirg  Coal  972  “ 974 

Ma])letown  Coal  1218  “ 1222 

■ Pittsburg  Coal 1313  “ 1319 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1725  “ 1765 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 1789  “ 1867 

Sand  1998  “ 2082 

“Gas”  Sand  2105  “ 2185 

Salt  Sand  (little  gas,  2298') 2296  “ 2316 

Pencil  cave 2504  “ 2508 

Big  Lime 2508  “ 2568 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2573'  and  oil  at 

2588')  2568  “ 2808 

Fifty-foot  Sand  |3274  “ 3330 

Sand  3334  “ 3354 

Bed  rock 3364  “ 3370 

Gordon  “Stray”  3384  “ 3402 

Sand,  Gordon 3438  “ 3462 

Sand  3472  “ 3490 

Sand  (Fourth)  3516  “ 3530 

Sand  (Fifth)  3570  “ 3585 

Lime  3810  “ 3813 

Hard  lime 3828  “ 3845 

Slate  to  bottom  3845  “ 3985 


178 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECORDS  (WETZEL) 


Winona  SJio  c\  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  northeasi  of  Burton.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Bluff  Sand  515  to  545 

Coal,  Waynesbui’g  545  550 

Sand  605  ‘‘  618 

Mapletown  Coal  787  792 

Pittsburg'  Coal 890  898 

Red  rock  1155  “ 1185 

Slate  and  lime 1185  1260 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1260  1295 

Big  Uunkard  Sand  1365  1395 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  1660  “ 1775 

Salt  Sand  (little  gas  1875') 1790  “ 1896 

Maxton  Sand  (oil  show  2030') 1984  “ 2059 

Pencil  cave  2059  “ 2069 

Big  Lime  2069  “ 2134 

Big  Injun  Sand 2134  “ 2382 

Sand  2482  “ 2582 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  2800  “ 2850 

“Thirtv-foot”  Sand  2894  “ 2926 

Gordon  “Stray?”  2934  “ 2957 

Little  gas  and  oil  show,  2944'. 

Sand,  veiy  hard  2982  “ 3032 

Sand,  good  3040  “ 3070 

Sand,  hard  (Fourth?)  3072  “ 3090 

Sand  (Fifth?)  3106  “ 3124 

Slate  and  shells 3124  “ 3189 

Depth  3189 


Record  of  the  John  Santee  Well,  No.  5. 

One  mile  northeast  of  Burton.  Authority,  Mr.  J.  P.  Hagan,  of 
the  Syndicate  Oil  and  Gas  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Wood  conductor  15 

Pittsburg  Coal  1085 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1475  “ 1520 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1835  “ 1900 

“Gas”  Sand  (little  salt  water) 1835  “ 2100  ( ?) 

Salt  Sand  2025  “ 2100 

Red  rock 2120  “ 2183 

Maxton  Sand  2183  “ 2263 

First  show  of  oil  2118 

More  oil  at  2225 

Best  “pay”  at 2242  , 

Total  dei)th  of  well  2263 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


179 


Ton-incli  ('asiiig,  285';  S|4"  (’asing,  1475';  6%' 
Sand  hard,  shot  with  100  quarts  of  nitroglycerine. 

Leezer  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Burton.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 


ciising,  2183'. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Maxton  Sand 

2307 

to 

2395 

Top  first  pay  

2339 

Bottom  first  pav  

2347 

Pencil  cave 

2395 

2397 

Big  Lime 

2397 

i ( 

2403 

Big  Injun 

2303 

Total  depth  

2591 

Bartrug  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  northeast  of  Burton.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

1202 

First  Salt  Sand 

2005 

to 

2141 

Second  Salt  Sand 

2201 

( i 

2255 

Red  cave  

2343 

i i 

2385 

Maxton  Sand  (light  gas)  

2385 

( i 

2436 

First  pay 

2418 

i < 

2420 

Total  depth 

2436 

John  Majjle  Well,  No.  4. 

One  mile  northeast  of  Burton.  fVuthority,  Fisher 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1190 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1575 

Big  Dunkai’d  Sand  1055 

Salt  Sand  2120 

Ked  cave  2250 

Maxtori  Sand  2318 

First  pay 2350 

Second  i)ay 2305 

Total  depth 

W.  0.  Bnodgrass  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  nortlieast  of  Burton.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 


Oil  Company. 
Feet. 

to  1025 
1090 
‘‘  2190 

2318 

< ‘ 2352 

‘‘  2370 

2373 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

1179 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  

to 

1020 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

1040 

i i 

1080 

Salt  Sand  

2112 

i i 

2105 

Red  cave  

2225 

i ( 

2311 

Maxton  Sand  

2311 

( i 

2303 

First  pay 

2335 

i ( 

2342 

Second  pay  

2353 

( ( 

2358 

Total  depth 

2303 

180 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (WETZEL) 


The  records  of  these  five  tt  ceding  wells  show  conclusively 
that  the  Maxton  Sand  belongs  1..  che  Mauch  Chunk  Series,  its  top 
coming  83  feet  below  the  base  of  the  Pottsville,  and  its  base  just 
above  the  “Pencil  cave,”  or  68  feet  above  the  Big  Injun  Oil 
Sand,  so  that  the  position  of  the  Maxton  Sand  is  practically  mid- 
way between  the  Pottsville  and  Pocono  beds,  its  base  coming 
close  down  to  the  top  of  the  Mountain  or  Greenbrier  (“Big 
Lime”  of  the  drillers)  Limestone. 


Joseph  Province  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  northwest  of  Sincerity  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter 
Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

1035 

to 

1050  (?) 

Cave  

1460 

i 1 

1530 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1510 

( ( 

1550 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1915') 

1780 

a 

1960 

Maxton  Sand  

2035 

i ( 

2075 

Pencil  cave  

2190 

i ( 

2200 

Limestone  

2200 

( { 

2280 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2381') 

2309 

< i 

2589 

Pencil  cave 

3060 

ti 

3070 

Gordon  Stray  

3070 

1 1 

3100 

Gordon  Sand,  poor  

3100 

n 

3105 

Total  depth  

3211 

Good  gas  well  in  “Stray”  Sand. 

8.  L.  Jolliff  Well, 

No.  1. 

About  one  mile  southwest' of  Sincerity.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg,  Goal  . . . ' 8 to  777 

Cow  Run  Sand  (Dunkard) 30  1160 

Salt  Sand  350  “ 1890 

Cave  (Pencil)  7 “ 1967 

‘‘Big'’  Lime  63  “ 2030 

Big  Injim  Sand  185  “ 2215 

Unrecorded  375  “ 2590 

Berea  Grit  (Ganiz?)  20  “ 2610 

Unrecorded  190  “ 2800 

Stray  Sand 35  “ 2835 

Unrecorded  30  “ 2865 

Gordon  Sand  23  “ 2888 

Total  depth  3064 


WEST  VIKGINTA  GEOLOGICAL  SUREVY 


181 


J.  K.  Morgan  Well,  No.  1. 

Olio  mile  and  a half  southeast  of  Sincerity.  Authority,  Hope 
Natural  Gas  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

1170 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  

1570 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

1675 

to 

1720 

‘‘Gas’’  Sand  

1875 

li 

1920 

Salt  Sand  

1960 

a 

2120 

Little  Lime 

2340 

n 

2385 

Pencil  cave 

2385 

a 

2395 

Big  Lime 

2395 

it 

2480 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2485 

u 

2715 

“Stray”  Sand  

.3220 

i ( 

3235 

Gordon  Sand  

3240 

(( 

3262 

Fourth  Sand  

3320 

({ 

3336 

Total  depth  

3496 

(Dry  hole.) 

David  Bellard  Well,  No.  1. 


About  one  mile  and  a half  north  of  Sincerity.  Authority,  Hope 
Natural  Gas  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  

. 846 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 946 

to 

950 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 

.1325 

( i 

1355 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

.1430 

a 

1490 

“Gas”  Sand  

.1580 

c l 

1640 

Salt  Sand  

.1800 

u 

1945 

Little  Lime  

.2100 

ii 

2118 

Pencil  cave 

.2118 

( t 

2145 

Big  Lime  

.2145 

(( 

2210 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2260') 

.2210 

it 

2460 

“Stray”  Sand  

.2992 

(( 

2997 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  3041') 

.3029 

( ( 

3065 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  3121') 

.3115 

i i 

3160 

Fifth  Sand  

.3200 

( ( 

3205 

Total  depth  

.3386 

James  O’Day  Well,  No. 

1. 

Just  south  of  Littleton  and  B.  & 0.  R.  R.  Clay  district.  Author- 
ity, Hope  Natural  Gas  Company. 


Pittsburg  Coal  785’  to  791 

Dunkard  Sand 1273  ''  1333 

Pencil  cave 1960  1970 

Big  Injun  Sand 2061  2280 

“Thiny-foot”  (Berea?)  ...2590  ''  2630 


182  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (WETZEL) 

‘‘Fifty-foot’’  Sand  ....2737  “ 2760 

Gordon  Sand  2887  “ 2903 

Fourth  Sand  (gas  from  2958  to  2963') . . . .2958  “ 2963 

Total  depth  2972 

Geo.  Gillingham  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  south  of  Littleton,  Clay  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  1090 

Pittsburg  Coal  1190 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1575  to  1595 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1685  “ 1735 

“Gas”  Sand  2000  “ 2080 

Salt  Sand  2140  “ 2270 

Little  Lime  2390 

Big  Lime  2393  “ 2468 

Big  Injun  Sand 2480  “ 2710 

“Fifty-foot’  Sand  3050 

Gordon  Sand  3286  “ 3332 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  3367') 3362 

Total  depth  3377 

Wm.  McEeijnolels  Well,  No.  3. 

One  mile  and  a half  south  of  Littleton,  Clay  district.  Authority, 
S<nith  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  990 

Pittsburg  Coal 1090  to  1100 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1490  “ 1510 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1581  “ 1627 

Salt  Sand  2040  “ 2138 

Maxton  Sand  2250  “ 2270 

Little  Lime 2296  “ 2311 

Big  Lime 2316  “ 2380 

Big  Injun  Sand 2380  “ 2600 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  2910  “ 2930 

“Thirtv-foot”  Sand  3127  “ 3136 

Gordon  Sand  3180  “ 3226 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  3263') 3260 

Total  depth  3263 

aS.  Newman  Well,  No.  3. 

One  mile  and  a half  southwest  of  Littleton,  Clay  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  794 

Pittsburg  Coal  894 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1261  to  1281 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


183 


Dunkard  Sand  1371  1425 

‘Hlas’’  Sand  1635  1645 

Salt  Sand  1672  1770 

Maxton  Sand  1878  1925 

Little  Lime  2060 

Rig  Lime 2082  2165 

Big  Injim  Sand 2165  ‘‘  2390 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3017')  3007  3030 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  3072') 3068 

Total  depth  3083^/^ 

TTm.  Newman  Well,  No.  3. 

Twq  miles  southwest  of  Littleton,  Clay  District.  Authority 

South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  832 

Pittsburg  Coal  932 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 1260  to  1285 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1400  1470 

Gas  Sand  1625  1650 

Maxton  Sand  2005  2050 

Little  Lime 2075  2130 

Big  Lime 2145  2206 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2296') 2206  2440 

^LStrav’^  Sand  3015  3026 

Gordon  Sand  3031  3065 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  3105') 3102 

Total  depth  3118 

(Ten-barrel  well.) 

L.  J.  Richmond  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Brink,  Grant  district.  Authority,  Hartman  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet, 

Pittsburg  Coal  1175 

Dunkard  Sand 1675  to  1755 

^‘Gas’’  Sand  1875  1955 

S«lt  Sand  (water  at  2080') 2058  ‘‘  2178 

Big  Lime 2400  2470 

Rig  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2470';  oil,  2556') . . .2470  2562 

Slate  ' 2564 

Bottom  of  well 2611 

Geo.  TP.  Dye  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  Carnegie  Natural  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  1097  to  1097 

Pittsburg  Coal  5 ‘‘  1102 

• Unrecorded  1253  2355 


184 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  WETZEL) 


Big"  Tnjuii  Sand  145  2500 

' Unrerorded  400  “ 2900 

‘^Fiflv-foot’’  Sand  40  2940 

Unrecorded  165  3115 

Gordon  ‘‘Stray’’  (gas  at  3128') 46  “ 3161 

Gordon  Sand  (gas  at  3162'  and  3179') ....  20  “ 3181 

Total  depth  3195 

S.  R.  Cain— Federal  Oil  Co.  Well,  No.  2. 

One  mile  and  a half  east  of  Robinson’s  mill.  Authority,  Bene- 
dum  Brothers- 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 960  to  965 

. Little  Dnnkard  Sand .1365  “ 1395 

Rig  Dnnkard  Sand 1490  “ 1510 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1820') 1780  “ 1840 

Pencil  cave 2175  “ 2178 

Big  Lime 2178 

Rig  Tnjnn  Sand 2258  “ 2286 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  2870  “ 2880 

“Stray”  2995  “ 3043 

Show  of  oil 3047 

Slate  3060  “ 3074 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  3080') 3074  “ 3105 

Total  depth  3105 

(Small  oil  well.) 

Z.  M.  Price  Well,  No.  2. 

Two  miles  northwest  of  Folsom,  Grant  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

Fppt  Fppt, 

Pittsburg  Coal 1084*  to  1091 

Dnnkard  Sand 1590  “ 1630 

Salt  Sand...' 1875  “ 2095 

Tdttle  Lime 2265  “ 2275 

Pencil  cave 2275  “ 2295 

Rig  Lime 2295  “ 2380 

Rig  Injnn  Sand 2380  “ 2515 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  2910  “ 2945 

Red  rock 2960  “ 2995 

Gordon  “Stray”  (oil,  3175')  3139  “ 3178 

Gordon  Sand  3182  “ 3207 

Total  depth  3209 

(Fifty-seven-barrel  well.) 

Jesse  Ashcraft  Well,  No.  1. 

West  end  of  Short  Line  Railroad  Tunnel,  east  of  Folsom,  Grant 
district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY  185 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pit  tsburu’  Coel 942  to  949 

Diinkard  Sand 1432  “ 1480 

‘‘Gas’’  Sand  1630  “ 1700 

Salt  Sand  1900  “ 2050 

Pencil  cave  2135  “ 2140 

Big-  Lime  ' 2140  “ 2200 

Big  Injun  Sand  2200  “ 2325 

“Fif tv-foot”  Sand  ...2800  “ 2825 

“Bowlder”  Sand  (Thirtv-foot)  2900  “ 2925 

“Stray”  Sand  (gas,  2993')  2958  “ 3010 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3028  to  3039') 3028  “ 3048 

Slate  to  bottom 3048  “ 3053 

Taylor  Talkington  Well,  No.  2. 

One  mile  southeast  of  Folsom,  Grant  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1191  “ 1197 

Dunkard  Sand  1680  “ 1700 

Salt  Sand  2066  “ 2128 

Pencil  cave 2368  “ 2372 

Big  Lime  2372  “ 2460 

Big  Injun  Sand  2460  “ 2563 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  3056  “ 3090 

‘ ‘ ThiT-ty-foot  ’ ’ Sand 3120  ‘ ‘ 31 40 

“Stray”  3200  “ 3255 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3267')  3255  “ 3274 

Slate  3274  “ 3292 

Total  depth  3292 

(Thirty-barrel  well.) 

IF.  B.  Starkey  Well,  No.  3. 

Two  miles  northeast  of  Folsom,  Grant  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1059 

“Gas”  Sand  1765  to  1795 

Salt  Sand  1890  “ 2025 

- Little  Lime 2260  “ 2270 

Pencil  cave 2270  “ 228.3 

Big  Lime 2283  “ 2330 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  and  water) 2330  “ 2350 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  2950  “ 2970 

“Boulder”  Sand  3060  “ 3080 

Stray  Sand  3100  “ 3150 

First  pay  3132 

S(?cond  pay 3137 


186 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  LECOIIDS  (WETZEL) 


Gordon  Sand  3159  3197 

Total  depth  3200 

(Tvventy-two-barrel  well.) 

Genine  Robinson  Well,  No.  40. 

Two  miles  northeast  of  Folsom,  Grant  District.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company.  ' 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1320  to  1325 

Big  Diinkard  Sand  1820  1920 

Salt  Sand  2220  2320 

Big  Lime 2550  2630 

Big  Injun  Sand 2630  2730 

‘^Fifty-foot”  Sand  3220  “ 3245 

Gordon  ‘ ‘ Stray  ’ ’ (oil,  3400') 3350  ‘ ‘ 3414 

Slate  3414  “ 3424 

Gordon  Sand  3424  “ 3449 

Slate  3449  “ 2451 

Total  depth  3451 

Michael  Mannion  Well,  No.  2. 

About  two  miles  south  of  Folsom,  Grant  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1175  to  1180 

Dunkard  Sand  1600  “ 1630 

Salt  Sand  2070  “ 2180 

Pencil  cave 2350  “ 2360 

Big  Lime  2360  “ 2450 

Big  Injun  Sand  2450  “ 2525 

“Thirty-foot”  (Berea?)  2775  “ 2980 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  3030  “ 3040 

Lower  “Thirty-foot”  Sand 3115  “ 3150 

“Stray”  (gas,  3200')  3180  “ 3246 

Slate  3246  “ 3258 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3258')  3258  “ 3278 

Total  depth  3297 

11.  L.  Smith  Well,  No.  54. 

One  mile  northeast  of  Smithfield,  Grant  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 965  to  972 

Little  Donkard  Sand  ' 1390  “ 1400 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1485  “ 1503 

“Gas”  Sand  1600  “ 1660 

Salt  Sand  1760  “ 1985 

Pencil  cave 2180  “ 2190 


WEST  VIltGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUliVEY 


187 


Bis:  Lime 

2190 

i i 

2260 

Big  Injun  Sand 

Fiftv-foot  ” Sand  

2200 

( ( 

2485 

2961 

i ( 

8012 

^^StraV”  Sand  . . 

8047 

i i 

8062 

Gordon  Sand  

*.  ..8072 

( ( 

3089 

First  pav  

8074 

Total  depth  

8092 

Blaclislicre,  Wells  tO  Co.’s  Well,  No.  1.  1892. 


Siiiithfield  region.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Washington)  

195 

to 

200 

Pittsburg  Coal  

....  715 

t ( 

725 

Dunkard  Sand  

. . . .1200 

i i 

1280 

Salt  Sand  

....1670 

( ( 

1715 

Slate  

....1715 

( i 

1778 

Black  slate  

. . . .1778 

i ( 

1888 

Red  rock  

....1838 

( ( 

1878 

Slate  and  shells 

....1878 

( ( 

1978 

Big  Lime  

....1978 

i i 

2048 

Big  Injun  Sand,  hard 

....2048 

1 i 

2058 

Sand,  soft  (gas,  2058') 

2058 

i i 

2070 

Slate  and  lime,  breaks 

.. . .2070 

( ( 

2073 

Sand,  hard  and  white  

....2073 

i i 

2102 

Sand,  soft  (gas,  2102';  oil,  2122') . . . . 

. . . .2102 

( ( 

2122 

Sand,  hard  (water,  2188')  

oo 

i i 

2152 

Slate  to  bottom  

....2152 

i ( 

2158 

Margaret  (rump  Well, 

No.  1. 

Smithheld  region.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. . . . 760 

to 

765 

‘‘Dunkard”  Sand  (Saltzburg)  

. . . .1094 

i i 

1109 

Oil,  n09'. 


Total  (le})tli  1120  • 

The  drillers  have  called  this  Sand  the  “Dunkard.  ” al- 
though its  top  is  only  384  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  Coal,  while 
the  “Little”  Dunkard  Sand  (Upi)er  Mahoning)  of  that  region 
lies  100  feet  lower,  or  400  to  480  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  Coal, 
and  the  “Big”  Dunkard  Sand  (Lower  Mahoning)  comes  500 
feet  below  the  Pittsburg  ComI,  as  may  be  seen  by  the  several 
previous  records.  Hence,  this  oil  sand  on  the  Margaret  Gump 
farm  is  not  one  of  the  Dunkard  Sands  at  all,  since  they  are 
the  Upper  (Buffalo)  and  Lower  Mahoning  beds,  the  principal 
oil  horizon  being  in  the  Upper  one  at  440  feet  below  the  Pitts- 


188 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (WETZEL) 


1)11  r"  Coal.  The  sand  in  question  comes  at  the  horizon  of  the 
Saltzhurg  sandstone  and  is  identical  with  that  which  holds  the 
very  li^dit  gravity  (63^2°)  oil  near  Moundsville,  Marshall  county, 
at  300  feet  below  the  I^ittsburg  Coal,  and,  hence,  is  improperly 
called  Dunkard,  although  it  may  be  identical  with  the  First 
“Cow  Run”  Sand  in  Ohio,  and  many  other  places  in  West 
Virginia. 

In  the  record  of  the  Margaret  Gump  well.  No.  2,  which 
follows,  the  driller  has  given  the  name  “Dunkard”  Sand  to  a 
stratum  whose  top  lies  540  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  Coal,  while 
in  the  J.  S.  Stout  well.  No.  2,  the  next  record  given,  he  has 
applied  the  term  “Dunkard”  to  a sand  struck  at  only  500  feet 
below  the  Pittsburg  Coal,  so  that  in  reading  the  drillers’  records, 
one  must  always  refer  his  names  to  some  definite  horizon,  like 
the  Pittsburg  Coal  or  Big  Injun  Sand,  which  he  seldom  mistakes, 
in  order  to  know  what  stratum  is  represented  by  the  term  used. 

Margaret  Gump  Well,  No.  2. 

Smithfield  region.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  970  to  9(S0 

Dunkard  Sand  1520  “ 1600 

Salt  Sand  1900  “ 1970 

little  Lime 2170  “ 2190 

Pencil  cave 2190  “ 2195 

Rig  Lime 2195  “ 2266 

Rig  Injun  Sand 2266  2393 

Red  Sand  3020  “ 3040 

“Strav”Sand 3064  “ 3080 

, Gordcn  Sand  (oil,  3092'  and  3097') 3085  “ 3097 

Total  depth  3106 

J.  S.  stout  Well,  No.  2. 

Smithfield  region.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  825  to  831 

Dunkard  Sand  1325  “ 1350 

Salt  Sand  1700  1809 

Red  rock 1945  “ 2005 

Pencil  cave 2030  “ 2036 

Rig  Lime  2036  ''  2143 

Rig  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2223') 2143  “ 2263 

‘MTf tv-foot”  Sand  2825  “ 2855 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand  2880  “ 2900 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  180 

Stray  Sand  (c^as,  heavy,  2918') 2915  2 

Gordon  SaiKr(oil,  29G4  to  29G5') 2953 

Total  depth  2973 

W^n.  Gallagher  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Mobley  Postoffice.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal GIO  to  G18 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  lOSO  1110 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  1244  “ 1320 

Salt  Sand  1430  “ 1G50 

Pencil  cave 1805  “ 1812 

Big  Lime  1812  “ 1884 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1900') 1884 

Total  depth  2002 

(Steel  line.) 

L.  E.  Dulaney  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 870  to  87G 

Dunkard  Sand  13G0  “ 1385 

Salt  Sand  1725  “ 1875 

Little  Lime  2020  “ 2035 

Pencil  cave  - 2035  “ 2040 

Big  Lime 2040  “ 2095 

Injun  Sand 2095  “ 2245 

Red  rock 27G0  “ 2830 

Gordon  “Stray”  2885  “ 2910 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  29201/2') 2917 

Total  depth  29391/2 

J.  Chamberlain  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Fopt  Fppf 

Pittsburg  Coal G85’  “ G93 

Dunkard  Sand  1200  “ 1250 

Salt  Sand  1535  “ 1G35 

Little  Lime 1830  “ 18G0 

Pencil  cave  18G0  “ 1870 

Big  Lime 1870  “ 1930 

Big  Injun  Sand 1930  “ 2173 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  2500  “ 2550 

Red  rock 2G20  “ 2G50 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2751')  2748 

Wiley  Fluharty  Well,  No.  2. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company  . 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 790 


190 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOliDS  (WETZEL) 


Big  Injun  Sand 

Stray’’  Sand  (gas  2850-5') 

. . .2100 

to 

2270 

. . . . 2832 

i i 

2850 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2863')  

, . . .2854 

1 i 

2874 

Total  depth  

. . . .2900 

Presley  Martin  Well,  No.  5. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

...  788 

to 

796 

Dunkard  Sand  

. . .1300 

i i 

1330 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  

...1470 

i ( 

1540 

Salt  Sand  

...1590 

( ( 

1770 

Little  Lime 

.. .1970 

( ( 

1983 

Pencil  cave 

...1983 

( ( 

1988 

Big  Lime  

. . .1988 

( ( 

2038 

Big  Injun  Sand  

‘ ^ Stray  ’ ’ Sand  

...2038 

( i 

2278 

. . .2829 

( 1 

2859 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2861') 

...2859 

1 i 

2877 

M.  Gorhy  Well,  No. 

1. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. . . 622 

to 

628 

Dunkard  Sand  

...1150 

i i 

1200 

Pencil  cave 

...1840 

i < 

1845 

Big  Lime 

. . .1845 

1 i 

1900 

Big  Injun  Sand 

...1900 

i ( 

2125 

Red  rock  

...2535 

( ( 

2580 

Gordon  ‘‘Stray” 

...2675 

Gordon  Sand  (oil  2720')  

. . .2720 

1 ( 

2731 

M.  Gorhy  Well,  No. 

2. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. ..  550 

to 

560 

Dunkard  Sand 

...1075 

i ( 

1135 

Salt  Sand  

. . .1350 

i i 

1410 

Pencil  cave 

...1770 

( ( 

1780 

Big  Lime  

. . .1780 

i ( 

1820 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  1940') 

...1820 

( i 

2060 

‘ ‘ Fifty-foot  ’ ’ Sand  

. . .2400 

Red  rock  

...2470 

Gordon  ‘ ‘ Stray  ” 

. . .2605 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2645') 

. . .2615 

( L 

2650 

Total  depth  

. . .2801 

Laura  Ilearne  Well,  No.  9. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. ..  ()95 

to 

701 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUIIVEY 


101 


Dunkara'Saiid  1225  1275 

Salt  Sand  1500  ‘‘  1050 

Little  Lime 1900  “ 1950 

Pencil  cave 1930  1940 

Big- Lime 1940  2000 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2000  2130 

‘‘ Fifty-foot Sand  2525  2575 

Bedrock 2030  2050 

Gordon  Stray’’ 2740 

Gordon  Sand  2785 

John  Ingram  Well,  No.  3. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg’  Coal  1080  to  1088 

Dunkard  Sand  1575  1025 

Salt  Sand  1830  2140 

Little  Lime 2240  2275 

Pencil  cave 2275  2282 

Big  Lime 2282  2345 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2345  2585 

Red  rock 3005  3050 

Gordon  “ Stray  ” 3110 

Gordon  Sand  3140 

Total  depth 3159 

A.  Long  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  000  to  008 

Dunkard  Sand 1125  1185 

Salt  Sand  1400  1550 

Little  Lime 1775  1805 

Pencil  cave 1805  1815 

Big  Lime 1815  1875 

Big  Injnn  Sand  1875  2025 

‘‘Fifty-foot”  Sand 2415  “ 2405 

Red  rock  2540  “ 2575 

Gordon  “ Stray  ” 2028 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  20041/2')  2003  “ 2082 

11.  L.  Smith  Well,  No.  29. 

Eastern  Wetzel.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 750  to  758 

Dunkard  Sand  1400  “ 1480 

“Gas”  Sand  1550  “ 1020 

Salt  Sand  1080  “ 1750 

Big  Lime 1990  “ 2050 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2137') 2050 


192 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (WETZEL) 


TL  L.  Smith  Well,  No.  41. 

Eastern  Wetzel.  Antliority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Pittsburg’  Coal 1100  to  1105 

Dunkard  Sand  1630  1660 

Salt  Sand  2020  ''  2100 

Pencil  cave 2305  2310 

Big  Lime -...2310  ''  2392 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2409') 2392 

Oil  show  at 3153W 

Gas  in  Stray”  Sand  at 31801/2 

Gordon  Sand  32031/2^^  32191/2 

Total  depth 32731/2 

David  Norris  Well,  No.  6. 

Eastern  Wetzel.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1005  to  1013 

Dunkard  Sand 1512  1517 

Salt  Sand  1910  2015 

Pencil  cave 2235  2240 

Big  Lime 2240  2300 

Big  Tnjnn  Sand  (oil,  2387') 2300 

Total  depth 2399 

J.  B.  Dewhurst  Well,  No.  6. 

Injun  Sand  development.  Eastern  AVetzel.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Washington)  228  to  231 

Pittsburg  Coal 745  “ 753 

Dunkard  Sand 1195  1213 

‘‘Gas”  Sand  1590  “ 1688 

Salt  Sand  1728  “ 1815 

Black  Lime 2015  “ 2055 

White  Lime  2055  “ 2082 

Black  sand  (Keener  Sand) 2082  “ 2100 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2174') 2100 

F.  S.  Snodgrass  Well,  No.  7. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  Hartman  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1261 

“Gas”  Sand  2073  to  2108 

Salt  Sand  2148  “ 2250 

Pencil  cave  2477 

Big  Lime 2483  “ 2566 

Big  Injun  Sand 2566  “ 2642^2  ' 


[WEST  VIIIGINIA^ GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


Franklin  Blake  W ell,  No.  1. 


Authority,  South  Peim  Oil  Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

Dunkard  Sand 

‘Alas”  Sand  , 

Salt  Sand  

Pencil  cave 

Big  Lime 

Big  Injun  Sand 

Sand  

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  

Gordon  ‘ ‘ Stray  ” 

“Break”  (slate)  

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3378') 

Total  depth 


Feet. 

Feet. 

. .1312 

to 

1320 

..1770 

( ( 

1850 

. .1920 

( ( 

2014 

. .2054 

( ( 

2300 

. .2478 

( ( 

2485 

. .2485 

( i 

2550 

. .2550 

ti 

2770 

. .2890 

i i 

2920 

..3120 

( ( 

3135 

..3325 

( 1 

3366 

. .3366 

( ( 

3378 

..3378 

( ( 

3384 

..3392 

A.  D.  Kinihle  Well,  No.  1. 


Crant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  875  to  883 

Dunkard  Sand  1375  “ 1410 

Salt  Sand  1730  “ 1950 

Little  Lime 2100  “ 2115 

Pencil  cave  2115  “ 2121 

Big  Lime 2121  “ 2180 

Big  Injun  Sand 2180  “ 2400 

Red  rock  2800  “ 2850 

Gordon  ‘ ‘ St  ray  ” 2909 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2947') 2944  “ 2962 


John  Pahner  Well,  No.  7. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Conii)any. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

1106 

to 

1114 

Dunkard  Sand  

1610 

( < 

1665 

Salt  Sand  

1875 

( ( 

2100 

Little  Lime 

2250 

( ( 

2260 

Pencil  cave 

2260 

i i 

2270 

Big  Lime 

2270 

1 ( 

2335 

Big  Injun  Sand  

2335 

( ( 

2455 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand 

2870 

( ( 

2915 

Red  rock  

3005 

i ( 

3050 

“Stray”  Sand 

3139 

( i 

3166 

Gordon  SaruPoil,  3170') 

3167 

1 i 

3185 

193 


194 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS;;(WETZEL) 


M.  A.  Miller  V/ell,  No.  8. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  So  Ltd  Penn  Oil  Company. 

TT'ppf  T^'ppi' 

Pittsburg  Coal 910*  918 

Dunkard  Sand 1400  1430 

Salt  Sand  1660  1970 

Little  Lime 2074  2104 

Pencil  cave 2104  2110 

Big  Lime 2110  “ 2160 

Big  Injun  Sand 2160  “ 2390 

Red  rock 2816  2866 

Stray’’  Sand 2946 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2979') 2976  2996 

Bishop  Penick  Well,  No.  3. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1124  to  1132 

Dunkard  Sand 1625  1655 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1910') 1904  2175 

Little  Lime 2305  ''  2314 

Pencil  cave 2314  2319 

Big  Lime 2319  ''  2614 

''Fifty-foot”  Sand  2950  " 2995 

Red  rock 3030  " 3065 

"Stray”  Sand 3160 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3195') 3192  " 3209 

A.  B.  Straight  Well,  No.  2. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 800  to  807 

Dunkard  Sand 1260  " 1305 

Salt  Sand  1610  " 1700 

Little  Lime 1896  " 1910 

Pencil  cave 1910  " 1925 

Big  Lime 1925  " 1965 

Big  Injun  Sand 1965  " 2215 

"Fifty-foot”  Sand  2605  " 2670 

Red  rock 2700  " 2750 

"Stray”  Sand 2837  " 2855 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2888') 2869  " 2914 

Zue  Lantz  Well,  No.  2. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 501  to  507 

Dunkard  Sand 990  " 1050 

Salt  Sand  1410  " 1465 


1 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUliVEY 


106 


Maxtoii  Sand  

1590 

i i 

1635 

Little  Lime 

1650 

it 

A665 

Pencil  cave 

1665 

( ( 

1675 

BigyLime 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1675 

( ( 

1730 

1730 

( ( 

1985 

‘‘Pifty-foot”  Sand  

2310 

( 1 

2335 

Red  rock 

2395 

( i 

2450 

Gordon  Stray” 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2578') 

2544 

25741/2^^ 

2626 

Helen  M.  Jamison  Well,  No.  9. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company.  . 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

1170 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2505 

to 

2680 

‘‘Stray”  Sand 

3238 

i ( 

3265 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3272') 

3268 

i < 

3301 

Total  depth 

3317 

J.  U.  Jolliffe  Well  No.  2. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

770 

to 

778 

Dunkard  Sand 

1285 

i ( 

1335 

Salt  Sand  (salt  water,  1675') 

1620 

( ( 

1750 

Little  Lime 

1920 

( i 

1950 

Pencil  cave 

1950 

( i 

1960 

Big  Lime 

1960 

i ( 

2010 

Big  Injun  Sand  

2010 

( ( 

2250 

“Fifty-foot”  Sand  

2610 

( ( 

2650 

Red  rock 

2690 

( ( 

2740 

Gordon  “Stray” 

2817 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2860') 

2847 

i ( 

2860 

James  Jolli/fe  Well, 

No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  ('oal 

600 

to 

608 

Dunkard  Sand  

1075 

i ( 

1110 

Salt  Sand  

1500 

( ( 

1610 

Little  Lime 

1725 

( ( 

1735 

Pencil  cave 

1735 

i i 

1740 

Big  Lime 

1740 

{ ( 

1775 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1775 

1 { 

2000 

Red  rock  

2520 

Gordon  ‘ ‘ Stray” 

2647 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2685') 

2682 

( ( 

27031/2 

Oil  

2685 

Bottom  

27031/2 

1%  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  / WETZEL) 

Annie  MuU'ii(\!  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district  Authority,  Cai  Oil  Company,  A.  T.  940  feet. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Waynesburg  Coal  325 

Mapletown  Coal 565 

Pittsburg  Coal  675 

Red  rock 25  to  825 

Sand  15 

Red  rock  50 

First  Cow  Run  Sand  30  1130 

Dunkard  Sand  45 

Sand  225 

Break  (slate)  5 

Sand  45  ‘‘  1500 

Shell  50 

Salt  Sand  (water  1600  and  16200 

Red  rock 20 

Maxton  Sand  20 

Black  slate  35 

Red  rock  50 

Limestone  15 

Pencil  cave 10 

Big  Lime 70 

Big  Injun  176  2146 

Little  gas  at  1985,  more  at  2016'. 

J.  D.  Morgan  Well,  No.  11. 

Eastern  Wetzel.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 650  to  660 

Dunkard  Sand  1150  ‘‘  1190 

^^Gas’’  Sand  1400  1448 

Salt  Sand  •. 1570  1660 

Pencil  cave 1870  ‘‘  1880 

Big  Lime 1880  1945 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2031') 1945  ‘‘  2043 

J.  D.  Morgan  Well,  No.  30. 

Eastern  Wetzel.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet 

Pittsburg  Coal  725  to  731 

Dunkard  Sand  1240  “ 1290 

^‘Gas’’  Sand  1290  1490 

Salt  Sand  1625  1725 

Little  Lime 1910  1922 

Pencil  cave 1922  1937 

Big  Lime 1937  ‘‘  1997 

Black  sand  (Keener) 1997  2010 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


197 


lUo-  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2105') 2010 

Sand  2628  2075 

‘‘Thirtv-foot”  Sand  2746  2778 

Slate  and  shells 2778  2803 

‘‘Stray”  Sand 2803  “ 2828 

Pencil  cave 2828  “ 2832 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2837') 2832  “ 2847 

1).  11.  Cox  Well  No.  4. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsbnra:  Coal  655  to  661 

Dnnkard  Sand  1200  “ 1250 

Salt  Sand  1500  “ 1650 

Maxton  Sand  1775  “ 1850 

Little  Lime 1850  “ 1860 

Pencil  cave 1860  “ 1870 

Big  Lime 1820  “ 1920 

Big  Injun  Sand 1920  “ 2160 

“Fiftv-foot”  Sand 2480  “ 2520 

Red  rock 2580  “ 2620 

Gordon  “Stray” 2708 

Gordon  Sand  2724  “ 2759 


John  Willey  Wells,  Nos.  1,  2 and  3. 

Three  miles  northeast^  from  Jacksonburg.  Authority,  Carter 
Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

Small 

to 

640 

Cow  Run  Sand  (Saltzburg) 

..  10 

< 1 

960 

Salt  Sand  

. . 400 

{ { 

1200 

Maxton  Sand 

..  58 

(( 

1770 

Oil  in  Big  Injun  Sand  at 

1813 

Total  depth  .t 

1838 

John  Willey  Well, 

No. 

2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. . 5 

( i 

775 

Cow  Run  (Dunkard)  . . 

. . 30 

( ( 

1280 

Snlt  Sand  

..  30 

( 1 

1500 

Maxton  Sand 

. . 60 

1 1 

1955 

Big  Tame 

. . 65 

1 1 

2000 

Big  Injun  Sand 

. . 240 

( t 

2065 

“Stray”  Sand 

. . 23 

1 ( 

2831 

Gordon  Sand  

. . 21 

( ( 

2854 

Total  depth  

2879 

John  Willey  Well, 

No. 

3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

..  8 

to 

785 

198 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (WETZEL) 


Salt  Sand  

160 

i i 

1640 

Maxton  Sand  . . 

n 

1945 

Big  Lime 

55 

( ( 

2020 

Big  Injun  Sand 

235 

t ( 

2075 

‘‘Stray’’  Sand  . 

15 

( ( 

2cS55 

Gordon  Sand  . . 

23 

i ( 

2870 

Total  depth  . . . 

2901 

F.  IL.  Bartlett  Wells 

, Nos.  1,  2 and  3. 

ning  John  Willey,  northeast  of  Willey  farm. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  , 

818 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1170 

Salt  Sand  .... 

1739 

Big  Lime 

2055 

Big  Injun  Sand 

240 

to 

2100 

“Stray”  Sand  . 

20 

i ( 

2885 

Gordon  Sand  . , 

25 

( ( 

2905 

F. 

w. 

Bartlett 

Well,  No.  2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

1000 

Dunkard  Sand 

1542 

Salt  Sand  .... 

1914 

Big  Injun  

to 

2288 

“Stray”  Sand 

2840 

Gordon  Sand  . 

3067 

F. 

17. 

Bartlett 

Well,  No.  3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  , 

7 

to 

908 

Cave  

60 

( t 

1360 

Dunkard  Sand 

40 

( ( 

1420 

Salt  Sand  .... 

300 

li 

1600 

Maxton  

* 40 

1 1 

2060 

Limestone  .... 

50 

n 

2130 

Big  Injun  Sand 

200 

( ( 

2180 

Gantz  Sand  . . 

30 

( ( 

2804 

“Stray”  Sand 

30 

( ( 

2958 

Gordon  Sand  . 

2988 

M.  Y.  Ande^'son  Wells,  Nos.  1,  2 and  3. 

One  mile  southeast  of  Jacksonburg.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 


pany. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

7 

to 

625 

Dunkard  Sand  

25 

( ( 

1000 

Salt  Sand  

400 

( ( 

noo 

Big  Lime 

68 

i 1 

1830 

Big  Injun  Sand 

202 

a 

1894 

WEST  VIIIGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


199 


Gordon  Sand  2697 

Oil  and  gas  at  2727'  in  Gordon  Sand. 


71/.  V. 

Anderson 

Well, 

No.  2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  . . . 

....  8 

to 

520 

Salt  Sand 

....  326 

(( 

1114 

Big  Lime 

....  60 

a 

1750 

Big  Injun  Sand  . . 

....  200 

(( 

1810 

Gordon  ^ ^ Stray 
Gordon  Sand  .... 

12 

i ( 

2582 

....  40 

li 

2594 

Total  depth 

2636 

31.  V. 

Anderson 

Well, 

No.  3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  . . 

....  6 

to 

1010 

Dunkard  Sand  . . . 

....  40 

( i 

1520 

Salt  Sand 

....  300 

ii 

1970 

Big  Lime  

. . . . 60 

i ( 

2219 

Big  Injun  Sand  . . 

. . . . 40 

( ( 

2297 

G.  IF. 

Anderson 

Well, 

No.  4. 

Jacksonburg,  Wetzel  county.  Authority,  Carter 

Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  . . , 

....  8 

to 

474 

Dunkard  Sand  . . . 

. . . . 60 

i ( 

994 

Salt  Sand 

....  300 

( 1 

1200 

Maxton  Sand  .... 

. . . . 60 

1 i 

1220 

Big  Lime 

. . . . 47 

i ( 

1700 

Big  Injun  Sand  . . 

....  250 

( { 

1747 

Berea  Sand  

. . . . 30 

C( 

2110 

^ ‘ Stray  Sand  . . . 

.....  15 

n 

2507 

Gordon  Sand  .... 

. . . . 35 

( i 

2527 

Total  depth  

2590 

J.  M.  Anderson  Well,  No.  1. 


One  mile  southeast  of  Jacksonburg.  Antliority,  United  States  Oil 
Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  580  to  585 

Dnnkard  Sand 1125  1175 

Salt  Sand  1380  ''  1430 

Little  Lime 1785  1805 

Pencil  cave 1805  1825 

Big  Lime  1825  ''  1870 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (gas,  1980') 1870  2085 

Red  rock 2510  2550 

Gordon  (oil,  2675')  2652  ''  2680 


200 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (WETZEL) 


J.  M.  Anderson  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsbiu’"  Coal 572  to  576 

Diinkard  1100  1150 

Salt  Sand  1400  1450 

Tdttle  Lime 1780  1810 

Pencil  cave 1810  ‘‘  1820 

Pi^’Lime 1820  1880 

Pi- Tnjnn  Sand  1880  2110 

‘‘Fif tv-foot”  Sand  2415  ‘‘  2416 

Ped  rock 2525  2550 

Gordon  Sand  2640  2674 

Tleadlee  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Jacksonbiir-.  Authority,  Kanawha  Oil  Company. 

Feet, 

Pittsburg  Coal  469 

Biv  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1765')  1750 

‘‘Stray”  Sand  2520 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2545')  2545 

Total  depth  2571 

Morgan  Ileirs^  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Jacksonbiirg.  Authority,  Kanawha  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  495 

Big  Injun  Sand 1825 

“Stray”  Sand  2565 

Gordon  Sand  flOO-barrel  well) 2605 

II.  K.  Cosgray  Well,  No.  1. 

About  two  miles  east  of  Union  town.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 

Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburs'  Coal 7 to  944 

Dunkard  Sand  38  “ 1408 

Salt  Sand  :.  123  “ 1855 

Big  Lime 44  “ 2142 

Big  Injun  Sand  211  “ 2186 

“Stray”  Sand 17  “ 3034 

Gordon  Sand  21  “ 3085 

Total  depth  3293 

E.  M.  Ramsey  Well,  No.  1. 

Center  district,  near  Silver  Hill.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil 
Compaay. 

Feet.  Feet. 

“Bluff”  Sand  (Marietta)  716*  to  736 

Mapletown  (Sewickley)  Coal 1165  “ 1170 


WEST  VmGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


201 


T^ittsbiirg-  Goal  1259  1266 

‘‘ITnrrv  U})”  Sand  (Connellsville) 1334  1374 

Rod  rock  1380  1430 

l ittle  Dnnkard  Sand  (Saltzbnrg) 1585  1620 

Ri<2:  Tlunkard  Sand  1775  1835 

Upper  Freeport  Coal  1841  1816 

‘‘Gas  Sand’^ 2038  “ 2088 

Salt  Sand  2188  “ 2288 

IMaxton  Sand  2302  “ 2377 

Pencil  cave  2418  ‘1‘  2420 

Bi<?Lime 2425  “ 2470 

Big  Injun  Sand 2470  “ 2710 


Tliis  is  a very  important  record  in  a geologic  sense,  since  it 
shows  the  presence  of  the  Upper  Freeport  Coal  at  575  feet 
below  the  Pittsburg  bed,  and  thus  gives  an  accurate  measurement 
of  the  Conemaugh  formation,  far  from  any  region  of  its  outcrop. 
The  driller  has  here  confused  one  of  the  Marietta  beds  above  the 
Washington  Coal  with  the  ‘‘Bluif”  Sand,  which  name  is  usually 
applied  to  the  Waynesburg  Sandstone,  100  feet  below  the  Wash- 
ington Coal. 

F.  F.  Morgan  Well,  No.  1. 

Willey  Pork  of  Fishing  creek,  half-way  between  Sin- 
cerity and  Cobun  Postoffices.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

610 

to 

615 

Cave 

1000 

i ( 

1060 

Dunkard  Saud 

1080 

C ( 

1120 

Salt  Sand  (gas)  

1400 

( ( 

1700 

Pencil  cave 

1805 

( ( 

1815 

Big  Lime 

1815 

( c 

1905 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1905 

( ( 

2155 

Gordon  “Stray’’  

2670 

( ( 

2690 

Pencil  cave 

2690 

( ( 

2700 

Gordon  Sand  

2720 

( ( 

2750 

Fourth  Sand  (gas)  . . . . 

2766 

Total  depth 

2781 

(Fair  gas  well.) 

In  1902  a large  oil  well 

(‘200  to  300  barrels) 

was 

completed 

by  the  South  Penn  Oil  Company  on  the  Mary  E.  White  farm, 
near  Dulany  Postoffice  on  Dulany  run,  a tributary  of  Little  Fish- 
ing creek,  while  early  in  1903  another  good  well  was  drilled  in  on 
the  A.  G.  Sidell  farm,  located  on  Steeles  run,  more  than  a mile 
north  from  the  White  farm.  The  oil  is  found  in  both  the 


202 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS  (WETZEL) 


“Stray”  and  “Gordon”  Sands  of  Wetzel,  and  these  two  develop- 
ments (which  are  classed  under  the  head  of  “Pine  Grove  field” 
in  the  oil  well  literature,  although  six  to  seven  miles  northeast 
from  the  town  of  Pine  Grove)  have  led  to  the  opening  of  a large 
and  productive  pool,  mainly  on  the  waters  of  Steeles  run,  a tribu- 
tary of  Little  Ehshing  creek. 

The  following  four  records  are  from  wells  in  the  Steeles 
run  pool:  TF.  D.  Fool  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  northeast  of  Wiley ville.  Center  district.  Authority, 

South  Penn  Oil  Company.  (Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1010*  “ 1015 

Diinkard  Sand 1500  “ 1530 

Salt  Sand  1850  “ 1900 

Maxton  Sand  2000  “ 2020 

Big  Lime 2180  “ 2255 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2255  “ 2460 

“Stray”  Sand 3040  “ 3067 

Gas  and  oil,  3048'  (second  pay,  3059'). 

Sidell-Moore  {John  W.  Moore)  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  and  one-half  miles  east  of  Wileyville,  Center  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1280  to  1287 

Dimkard  Sand  1760  “ 1790 

Salt  Sand  2030  “ 2230 

Pencil  cave 2430  “ 2435 

Big  Lime 2435  “ 2495 

Big  Injun  Sand 2495  2730 

“Stray”  Sand  (oil,  3340') 3321  3342 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3345') 3343  “ 3358 

(Twelve-barrel  well.) 

Sidell-Moore  {John  W.  Moore)  Well,  No.  2. 

Center  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Washington)  550 

Pittsburg  Coal  1025 

Dunkard  Sand  1525  1575 

Salt  Sand  1800  “ 2100 

Little  Lime 2150  “ 2180 

Pencil  cave 2180  “ 2190 

Big  Lime 2190  2250 

Big  Injun  Sand  2250  “ 2490 

‘^Fifty-fooC’  Sand  2850  “ 2890 

“ Stray Sand  (oil,  3062') 3052 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


203 


Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3074') 3073  3083 

(Forty-five  bari’el  well.) 

J.  A.  Lemasters  {Jonah  Morris)  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  northeast  of  Wileyville,  Center  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Comj)any. 

Feet.  Feet. 

‘‘Native”  Coal  (Waynesbiirg-) 791  to  795 

Pittsburg  Coal 1100  “ 1105 

Diinkard  Sand 1580  “ 1G60 

Salt  Sand  1915  “ 1955 

Maxton  Sand  2135  “ 2145 

Pencil  cave 2243  “ 2253 

PdgLime 2253  “ 2310 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2310  “ 2535 

“Stray”  Sand  (gas  and  oil,  3134') 3132  “ 3157 

(Fifteen-barrel  well.) 

A.  TI.  Jackson  Well,  No.  2. 

One  mile  southeast  of  Dean  Postoffice,  Center  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal lOGO  to  I0G7 

Dnnkard  Sand  1530  “ 1595 

“Gas”  Sand  1715  “ 17G0 

Salt  Sand  1820  “ 2115 

Little  Lime 2225  “ 2250 

Pencil  cave 2250  “ 225G 

Big  Lime 225G  “ 2320 

Big  Injnn  Sand  2320  “ 2545 

“Stray”  Sand  (oil,  311G') 310G  “ 3133 

Gordon  Sand  3134  “ 3149 

Total  depth 3157 

Lida  Lemasters  Well,  No.  3. 

One  mile  and  a half  northeast  of  AVileyville,  Center  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Washington)  G32 

Pittsburg  Coal  lOGG 

Dnnkard  Sand 1555  to  1G25 

Salt  Sand  1885  “ 2030 

Big  Lime 2213  “ 2285 

Big  Injun  Sand  2310  “ 2540 

Stray  Sand 3094 

Gordon  Sand  (gas  and  oil,  3105') 3101  “ 311G 

(Twenty-barrel  well.) 


204 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (WETZEL) 


R.  J.  Postlethwait  Well,  No.  3. 

Til  roe  miles  east  of  Wiley  ville,  Center  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal,  Washington  750  to  754 

Pittsburg  Coal  1200  1207 

Dunkard  Sand  1665  “ 1700 

Salt  Sand  1925  ''  2136 

Maxton  Sand  2280  2290 

Pencil  cave 2350  2355 

Rig  Lime 2355  2410 

Rig  Injim  Sand  2410  “ 2690 

‘ ^ Stray  ’ ’ Sand  (dry) 3227  ‘ ‘ 3228 

Peter  Postlethwait  Well,  No.  2. 

Three  miles  east  of  Wileyville,  Center  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet.  • 

Coal,  ‘^Native’’ 715 

Pittshnrg  Coal  1190 

Dunkard  Sand  1680  1730 

Salt  Sand  1975  2250 

Little  Lime 2300  2330 

Pencil  cave 2330  2340 

Rig  Lime 2340  2400 

Rig  Tnjnn  Sand  2400  2630 

^‘Fifty-fooC’  Sand  3015  3060 

Stray”  Sand 3225 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3253'). 3250  3270 

(Ten-barrel  well.) 

T.  J.  Showalter  Well,  No.  2. 

Four  miles  northeast  of  Wileyville,  Center  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1075  to  1081 

Dunkard  Sand  1580  ‘‘  1630 

Salt  Sand  1805  2100 

Rig  Lime 2265  ''  2305 

Rig  Injun  Sand 2305  2540 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  3117') 3115  3129 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3135') 3131  3157 

Total  dei'tli 3162 

(Twenty-barrel  well.) 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


205 


T.  J.  Showalter  Well,  No.  4. 

Four  miles  northeast  of  Wileyville,  Center  district.  Authority, 


South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1205 

Dunkard  Sand  1685  to  1725 

Salt  Sand  2000  ‘‘  2145 

Big  Lime  2390  ''  2440 

Big  Injun  Sand 2445  “ 2695 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  3236') 3234  3251 

Gordon  Sand  3259  “ 3267 

Total  depth 3413 


J.  R.  SJireve  Well,  No.  12. 

Three  miles  northeast  of  Pine  Grove.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil 


Company. 

(Steel  line.)  • Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  920  927 

Dunkard  Sand  1400  ‘‘  1430 

Salt  Sand  1760  1860 

Maxton  1950  ‘‘  1980 

Pencil  cave  2000  2005 

Big  Lime 2005  ‘‘  2065 

Big  Injun  Sand 2065  2385 

‘‘Fifty-fooC’  Sand  2800  ‘‘  2820 

Stray  Sand 2960  -2992 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2995') 2992  ‘‘  3011 


(One  hundred  and  fifty-barrel  well.) 

On  the  high  divide  between  the  waters  of  Big  and  Little  Fish- 
ing creeks,  and  about  four  miles  northeast  from  Pine  Grove,  the 
greatest  thickness  of  measures  above  the  Pittsburg  coal,  of  any 
well  yet  reported  fr*om  the  Appalachian  field,  was  found  on  the 
land  of  John  II.  Rush.  The  well  starts  near  the  summit  of  a 
high  knob,  and  the  record  reads  as  follows: 

John  II.  Rush  Well,  No.  3. 

Four  miles  northeast  of  Pine  Grove.  Authority,  Kanawha  Oil 
Company. 

Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  1410 

Big  Injun  2650 

Stray  Sand  3415 

Gordon  Sand 3445 

Total  depth  3460 


206 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECORDS  (WETZEL) 


It  is  practically  certain  that  at  no  other  point  in  the  Appa- 
lachian basin  could  the  thickness  of  strata  overlying  the  Pittsburg 
coal  exceed  the  above  by  more  than  40  to  50  feet,  and  as  the 
Waynesburg  coal  overlies  the  Pittsburg  bed  about  300  feet  in 
the  region,  this  would  give  1,100  to  1,150  feet  for  the  maximum 
thickness  of  the  Permian  or  Dunkard  series  in  this  county. 

T.  II.  Alley  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Pine  Grove.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  745  to  752 

Dunkard  Sand  1260  1320 

Salt  Sand  1600  1650 

Little  Lime 1900  1930 

Pencil  cave 1930  1940 

Big  Lime 1940  2000 

Big  Injun  Sand 2000  ''  2240 

‘‘Fifty-foot’^  Sand  2550  “ 2600 

Red  rock 2675  “ 2695 

Gordon  “ Stray  ” (gas,  2785' and  2822') . .2785  “ 2822 

Mills  Well,  No.  1. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  E.  H.  Jennings  & Brothers. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Ten-inch  casing 330 

Pittsburg  Coal  540 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1043 

Salt  Sand  1250  “ 1475 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1492 

Pencil  cave  1774 

Limestone 1790  to  1870 

Big  Injun  Sand  1870 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  casing  ....  1877 

First  oil .1894 

First  “Break”  1950 

Slate  1970 

Second  pay  and  flowed 1980 

Finished  2040 

Mills  Well,  No.  5. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  E.  11.  Jennings  & Brothers. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Ten-inch  casing 235 

Pittsburg  Coal  650 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1200 

Big  Injun  Sand 1955 


WEST  VIIIGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY  207 

Oil  show  at 2050 

Six  and  hve-eightlis-inch  easing 2090 

Top  of  Stray  2715 

Five  and  three-sixteeiitlis-incli  liner  606 

feet  at  2715 

Gordon  Sand  2740  to  2755 

Total  depth 2757 

Mills  Well,  No.  7. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  E.  II.  Jennings  & Brothers. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  635 

Ten-inch  casing 330 

Eight  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing 1190 

Top  of  Big  Injnn  Sand 1930 

Show  of  oil 2035 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 2045 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  casing 

(560')  2130  to  2690 

‘‘Stray”  Sand 2690 

Gordon  pay  2715  “ 2723 

Bottom  Gordon  Sand 2728 

Bottom  of  hole 2729 

Mills  Well,  No.  9. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  E.  II.  Jennings  & Brothers. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  805 

Ten-inch  casing  460 

Eight  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing 1360 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand 2105 

Show  of  oil  2195 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1850 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  casing 2450 

Four-inch  liner,  3 sections,  404'  from  2476'  to  2880' 

Top  “Stray”  Sand  2880 

Top  of  Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2899') 2895 

Bottom  of  Sand  ..2906 

Bottom  of  hole  2907 

Mills  Well,  No.  11. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  E.  II.  Jennings  & Brothers. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  — 785 

Ten-inch  casing 560 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1555 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand 2095 

Oil  at 2190 


208 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (WETZEL) 


Six  and  five-eightlis-inch  casing 2128 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  liner  (591') 

from  2264  to  2855 

Top  of  Stray’’  Sand 2855 

Break  between  ‘ ‘ Stray  ’ ’ and  Gordon 8 

Gordon  Sand,  top  2883 

Bottom  of  pay 2890 

Bottom  of  Sand 2897 

Bottom  of  hole 2902 

Mills  Well,  No.  14. 

Piney  Pork.  Authority,  E.  II.  Jennings  & Brothers. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  885 

Ten-inch  casing 480 

Eight  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing 1400 

Big  Injun  Sand  2140 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 2259 

Show  of  oil  Big  Injnn  Sand 2275 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  liner,  4 sec- 
tions, 605'  from 2294  • to  2909 

Stray  Sand 2908  2924 

Break,  Stray  and  Gordon 10 

Top  Gordon  Pay  2934 

Bottom  of  pay 2953 

Bottom  of  Sand 2953 

Bottom  of  well T 2954 

Mills  Well,  No.  23. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  E.  II.  Jennings  & Brothers. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  920 

Ten-inch  casing  460 

Eight  and  one-foiuth-inch  casing 1400 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing- 2215 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand 2220 

Oil  and  water  2335 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  ciising 2382 

Toj)  of  ^ ‘ Stray  ’ ’ Sand 3007 

Oil  and  Gas  in  ‘‘Stray” 3020 

Gordon  Sand  3028 

Pay  (Gordon)  3030 

Bottom  of  Sand  3044 

Bottom  of  hole  3050 

Mills  Well,  No.  63. 

Piney  Pork. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  705 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


IMaxton  Sand  (j^as)  1730 

Big  Injun  Sand 2005 

Stray  Sand  2782 

Gordon  Sand 2804 

Oil  2808 


Mary  J.  lieilly  Well,  No.  1. 
Piiiey  Fork.  Authority,' South  Penn  Oil  Company, 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1065 

Big  Injun  Sand 2390  to  2540 

‘‘Stray”  Sand 3141 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3170') 3161  “ 3176 

Bottom  3187 


John  J.  Reilly  Well,  No.  1. 
Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 740 

Big  Injun  Sand 2050  to  2200 

“Stray”  Sand  2778  “ 2798 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2820') 2798  “ 2830 

Total  depth 2876 


John  J.  Reilly  Well  No.  3. 


Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  917 

Big  Injun  Sand 2270  to  2380 

“Stray”  Sand  (oil,  2990') 2985 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3002')  3000  “ 3019 

Jas.  A.  Booth  Well,  No.  1. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  660 

Big  Injun  Sand 1985  to  2160 

“Stray”  Sand  (oil,  2766') 2763 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2781') 2775  “ 2792 

Total  depth 2808 

Jas.  A.  Booth  Well,  No.  2. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  880 

P>ig  Injun  Sand 2205  “ 2355 

“Stray”  Sand  (oil,  2865') 2860 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2888') 2880  “ 2890 

Total  depth  2901 


209 


210  01L>ND  GAS  WELL  RECOEDS  (WETZEL) 

F.  R.  Ball  Well,  No.  1. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  1 Oil  Company. 

Feet.  ^eet. 

Coal  (Washington)  . 140 

Coal  (Waynesburg?)  . 400 

Dnnkard  Sand  1060 

^^Gas’’  Sand  1125 

Salt  Sand  1540 

Little  Lime  1850 

Pencil  cave  1880 

Big  Lime 1890 

Slate  and  Sand  (Keener)  1968 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil  and  water,  2060') . . .1983  to  2110 

Slate  ‘‘Break’’  2085 

Total  depth 2121 

F.  B.  Ball  Well,  No.  2. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  650 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2050')  1960  to  2110 

“Stray”  Sand 2690  “ 2706 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2712'  and  2720') 2706  “ 2732 

F.  B.  Ball  Well,  No.  4. 

Piney  Pork.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  940 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2275') 2240  to  2400 

“Stray”  Sand 2975  “ 2986 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3002')  2989  “ 3012 

Total  depth 3024 

Mary  A.  Fenick  Well,  No.  2. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  Penn  -Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  935 

Big  Injun  Sand 2237  to  2410 

“Stray”  Sand 3001 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3028') 3026  “ 3048 

Anderso7i  Wiley  Well,  No.  1. 

Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 725 

Big  Injun  Sand 2036  to  2189 

“Stray”  Sand  (gas,  light,  2803') 2789 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2816') 2812  “ 2825 

Total  depth 2831 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


211 


George  Wiley  Well,  No.  1. 
Piney  Fork.  Authority,  South  l^eim  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  733 

Big  Injun  Sand 2074  to  2117 

“Stray”  Sand  (gas,  2783')  2771 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2822')  2820  “ 2833 

Total  depth 2835 

McCoy  Heirs’  Well,  No.  4. 

Piuey  Fork.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  845 

Big  Injun  Sand 2170  to  2320 

“Straj^”  Sand  (e:as,  2905')  2895 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2928')  2926  “ 2935 

Oil  2928 

Total  depth 2940 


J.  R.  Wood  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  southwest  of  Reader  Postoffice.  Authority, 


Hope  Natural  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

No  Pittsburg  Coal. 

Maxton  Sand 1910  to  1950 

Pencil  cave ....1950  “ 1960 

Big  Lime 1960  “ 2020 

Big  Injun  Sand 2020  “ 2280 

Show  oil  2280 

Gordon  “Stray”  (gas,  2867')  2862  “ 2868 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2872') 2871  “ 2880 

Total  depth 3037 


The  Garner  oil  pool  of  Wetzel  county  was  developed  by  the 
South  Penn  Oil  Company,  its  first  well  having  been  drilled  in 
1899  on  the  land  of  Henry  Garner  in  Proctor  district,  which 
occupies  the  northwestern  corner  of  the  county.  Thii  pool  has 
proven  very  prolific,  and  has  now  been  traced  northeastward  by 
the  drill  into  IMarshall  county  and  nearly  to  the  B.  & 0.  R.  R., 
near  Loudenville. 

Lying  as  this  belt  does  within  five  miles  of  the  Ohio  river  at 
the  nearest  point,  the  westward  thinning  of  the  underground 
strata  has  diminished  the  interval  between  the  Pittsburg  coal  and 
the  Gordon  Sand  by  about  100  feet,  so  that  it  measures  only  2,000 
feet,  instead  of  2,100  as  in  the  region  of  the  Pine  Grove  pool, 


212 


OIL  AKD  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (WETZEL) 


10  miles  east  from  the  Gamier  developments,  as  shown  by  the 
records  which  follow : 

J.  P.  Cooper  Well,  No.  1. 

Proctor  district.  Authority,  Hope  Natural  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Waynesburg  “A”)  334  to  338 

Mapletown  Coal  580  583 

Pittsburg  Coal 675  681 

Salt  Sand  1400  1445 

Maxton  Sand  1675  1720 

Big  Lime 1735  “ 1810 

Big  Injun  Sand  1810  2012 

Berea  (?)  Sand 2407  2420 

‘‘Stray”  Sand 2639  “ 2645 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2682')  2681  “ 2700 

Rock  pressure,  825  pounds. 

J.  W.  Palmer  Well,  No.  2 

Proctor  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  335  to  339 

Mapletown  Coal  700  “ 702 

Pittsburg  Coal 785  “ 791 

Salt  Sand  1520  “ 1570 

Big  Lime 1885  “ 1925 

Big  Injun  Sand 1925  “ 2195 

Stray  Sand 2756  “ 2759 

Gordon  Sand  2796  “ 2814 

Total  depth 2817 

Henry  Garner  Well,  No.  3. 

Proctor  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Waynesburg  “A”) 590  to  594 

Mapletown  Coal 850  “ 852 

Pittsburg  Coal 950  “ 956 

Salt  Sand  1670  1714 

Big  Lime 2117  “ 2157 

Big  Injun  Sand 2157  “ 2423 

“Stray”  Sand 2921  “ 2932 

Gordon  Sand  2971  “ 2980 

Henry  Garner  Well,  No.  16. 

Proctor  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington) 480  to  484 

Mapletown  Coal  840  “ 846 

Pittsburg  Coal 930  “ 935 


WEST  VIKGimA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


213 


Salt  Sand  1668  1726 

Big*  Lime 2030  2084 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2084  “ 2360 

Gordoil  Sand  (oil,  2959') 2959  2978 

Henry  Garner  Well,  No.  29. 

Proctor  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  460  to  464 

IMapletown  Coal  . . . . ^ 827  829 

Pittsburg  Coal 912  ''  918 

r Salt  Sand  1670  1730 

! Big  Lime 2010  2060 

. Big  Injnn  Sand  2060  ''  2100. 

John  Widner  Well,  No.  1. 

Magnolia  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal 660  to  665 

Pittsburg  Coal 750  755 

^ Big  Dnnkard  Sand 1310  1380 

Salt  Sand  1498  1638 

Big  Lime 1890  1940 

Big  Injun  Sand 1940  ''  2180 

Shells' 2450  2455 

,7  Cordon  Sand  2771  2773 

Total  depth 2843 


MARSHALL  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Marshall  county  lies  directly  north  from  W^etzel,  and  hence 
is  within  the  zone  of  oil  and  gas  production.  This  county  did  not 
receive  much  attention  from  the  oil  fraternity  until  after  the 
'Garner  oil  pool  of  Wetzel  county  had  been  opened.  True,  the 
great  gas  field  in  the  region  of  Cameron  had  been  developed  in 
the  early  ’90 ’s,  but  as  the  Garner  oil  pool  of  Wetzel  county 
was  not  discovered  until  1899,  it  was  late  in  1901  before  there 
was  much  oil  production  from  the  extension  of  this  pool  north- 
eastward into  Marshall.  Now  that  this  pool  has  been  extended 
from  the  Wetzel  county  line  for  a distance  of  10  miles  through 
Marshall  to  the  B.  & O.  R.  R.,  near  Loudenville,  it  is  possible 
that  good  oil  producing  territory  will  yet  be  found  still  farther 
to  the  north,  so  that  there  may  be  a considerable  area  of  oil  ter- 
ritory yet  undeveloped  within  the  county. 


214 


OIL  AND  GAIS  WELL  RECORDS  (MARSHALL) 


The  following  records  of  wells  drilled  in  different  regions  of 
the  county  will  show  the  general  underground  succession  of  the 
strata  in  Marshall  county.  The  coal  termed  “Native”  in  the 
records  is  in  nearl}^  all  cases  the  Washington  bed  of  the  Permian 
or  Dunkard  series,  while  the  “Mapletown”  is  the  drillers  name 
for  the  Sewickley  bed: 

Lindsey  Burley  Well,  No.  1. 

One-half  mile  west  of  Bellton,  Liberty  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

1100 

to 

1108 

Dunkard  Sand 

1580 

( 1 

1640 

Salt  Sand  

2000 

( ( 

2050 

Maxton  Sand 

2230 

( ( 

2240 

Big  Lime 

2250 

( ( 

2305 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2305 

( { 

2590 

Berea?  Sand 

2800 

( i 

2820 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand  

3000 

< ( 

3030 

Gordon  Sand  (gas)  

3175 

( ( 

3185 

Fourth  Sand  (oil,  3210') 

3208 

( ( 

3216 

Total  depth . 

3225 

J.  II.  Mackey  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Garrett,  Liberty  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

745 

“Gas”  Sand  

1450 

to 

1550 

Salt  Sand  

1840 

{( 

1915 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas 

and 

show  of  oil 

2025')  

1920 

i ( 

2230 

‘‘Fifty-foot”  Sand  (Gantz 

and  “Fifty- 

Foot”)  

2540 

1 i 

2640 

“Stray”  Sand 

2804 

1 ( 

2812 

Red  rock  

2812 

( ( 

2815 

Slate  

2815 

( ( 

2820 

Gordon  Sand  

2820 

i ( 

2845 

Slate  

2845 

( ( 

2875 

Fourth  Sand 

2875 

(( 

2885 

Slate  

2885 

iC 

2935 

Fifth  Sand  

2935 

( ( 

2942 

Slate  and  shell 

2942 

1 1 

3249 

Bottom  (Dry)  

3249 

'he  saud  identified  by 

the 

driller  as  the  “ 

Fifty-foot”  in 

this  record  represents  the  Gantz  Sand  also,  and  the  two  combined 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


215 


make  up  the  “Hundred-foot”  of  the  Butler-Venango  county 
group  of  sands,  so  that  in  this  record  we  have  the  entire  Venango 
series  represented,  its  top  coming  1800 'feet  below  the  Pittsburg 
coal,  the  same  as  at  Washington,  Pennsylvania,  40  miles  north- 
east. The  thickness  of  the  series  from  the  top  of  the  Gantz  Sand 
to  the  bottom  of  the  Fifth  Sand  (2540-2942)  foots  up  402  feet,  as 
against  403  feet  for  the  same  measures  in  the  type  section  record 
from  the  McDonald  pool,  given  on  pages  112-114. 

J.  A.  & S.  L.  Chambers  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  southwest  of  Cameron,  Liberty  district.  Authority, 
Hope  Natural  Gas  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Native  coal 

....  512 

to 

515 

Mapletown  Coal 

....  710 

i ( 

715 

Pittsburg  Coal 

....  800 

C( 

806 

Salt  Sand  •. . . 

....1550 

( ( 

1745 

Big  Lime 

....1875 

( ( 

1915 

Big  Injun  Sand 

....1915 

a 

2140 

Red  rock  

....2615 

( ( 

2675 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2792'  and  2804') . . 

....2785 

ti 

2805 

Total  depth 

....2810 

Christian  Lough  Well, 

No.  3. 

One  mile  west  of  Cameron,  Liberty  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal,  native  

Mapletown  Coal 

...  540 

to 

545 

...  795 

i ( 

800 

Pittsburg  Coal 

...  890 

i i 

895 

Salt  Sand  

...1625 

a 

1825 

Big  Lime 

...1960 

it 

2000 

Big  Injun  Sand 

. . .2000 

it 

2260 

“Stray’'  Sand 

...2840 

i i 

2845 

Gordon  Sand  

...2885 

it 

3911 

“Pav”  streak 

...2888 

i i 

2898 

Total  depth 

...29131/2 

Booher-Ilicks  Well,  No.  3. 

About  three  miles  northeast  of  Adaline 

Postoffice. 

Authority, 

Benedum  Brothers. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

“Murpliy”  Sand  (Connellsville) 

...  950 

to 

960 

...1065 

First  Salt  Sand 

...1720 

a 

1770  • 

Second  Salt  Sand  

,...1815 

it 

1870 

21G  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (MARSHALL) 

Maxtor!  Sand  (water)  1970 

Big  Lime 2050  ‘‘  2100 

Big  Injun  Sand  (salt  water,  2185') 2100  ‘‘  2305 

Berea  (Gantz?)  Sand 2090 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2950')  2944  2970 

(One  hundred-barrel  wellO 

John  Bruhn  Well,  No.  1. 

Liberty  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  420  to  424 

Mapletown  Coal 735  740 

Pittsburg  Coal 835  840 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1185  1215 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1325  1405 

Salt  Sand  1730  1785 

Maxton  Sand  1870  “ 1905 

Big  Lime 1905  1940 

Big  Injun  Sand  1940  2180 

Gordon  Sand  (1st  pdy,  2834';  2d  pav, 

2847')  ^2828  2857 

Total  depth 2860 

John  Bruhn  Well,  No.  2. 

Liberty  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  740  to  745 

MapletoAvn  Coal 1000  1002 

Pittsburg  Coal  1090  1090 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1406  1436 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1606  1626 

Salt  Sand  2005  2040 

Big  Lime 2150  2185 

Big  Injun  Sand 2185  2430 

Stray”  Sand  ...3050  3060 

Gordon  Sand  3085  ‘‘  3100 

Total  depth 3108 

• John  Bruhn  Well,  No.  3. 

Liberty  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  coal 520  to  524 

Majrletown  Coal 750  752 

Pittsbui’g  Coal  860  8(56 

Salt  Sand  1700  ‘‘  1790 

Big  Lime 2040  “ 2100 

Big  Injun  Sand 2100  2340 

Gordon  Sand  2849  “ 2879 

Total  depth 2889 


WEST  VIUGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY  2]  7 

A.  L.  Courlright  Well,  No.  1. 

Liberty  district.  Authority,  South  Peun  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  . Feet. 

Native  coal  (Washini’ton)  29S  to  302 

]\Iai)letown  Coal 558  500 

Pittsl)ur^  Coal  648  ''  054 

Salt  Sand  1430  1600 

Bij?  Lime 1690  ''  1750 

Bi^' Tnjim  Sand  1750  2025 

Gordon  Sand  2632  2056 

Lewis  Chamhe7^s  Well,  No.  1. 

Liberty  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Jolly town)  150  to  153 

Second  Coal  (Washington)  400  404 

Mapletown  Coal 730  735 

Pittsbnrg  Coal 820  ''  824 

Tattle  Dnnkard  Sand  (Saltzbnrg) 1120  1140 

Big  Diinkard  Sand 1305  1350 

Salt  Sand  1430  1770 

Maxton  Sand  1865  ''  1895 

Big  Lime 1910  1954 

Big  Tnjnn  Sand  1954  2200 

''Stray'’ Sand 2790  " 2796 

Gordon  Sand  v 2814  " 2844 

Thompsoii  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1 
Liberty  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet  Feet 

Dnnkard  Sand 1107  to  1117 

"Gas"  Sand  1340  " 1410 

Salt  Sand  1510  " 1500 

Big  Lime 1945  " 1995 

Big  Tnjim  Sand  1995  " 2150 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  28051/2') 2850  " 2900 

G^islav  Richter  Well,  No.  1. 

Liberty  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  725  to  729 

Mapletown  Coal 985  " 987 

Pittsburg  Coal 1075  " 1081 

Salt  Sand  1905  " 2035 

Big  Lime 2145  " 2195 

Big  Tnjun  Sand 2195  " 2440 

Gordon  Sand  3004  " 3084 

Bottom 3090 


218 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOllDS  (MAESHALL) 


John  Cain  Well,  No.  1. 

About  two  miles  southwest  of  Adaline.  Authority,  Benedum 
Brothers. 

Feet.  ’Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 745  to  750 

Cow  Run  Sand 1145  “ 1150 

First  Salt  Sand 1400  1425 

Second  Salt  Sand 1590  1615 

Maxton  Sand  1770  1790 

Big  Lime 1840  “ 1900 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1917') 1900  “ 2160 

^ ‘ Fifty-foot  ’ ’ Sand 2510  ^ ' 2520 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2729') 2729  ''  2750 

Total  depth 2869 

(Good  oil  well.) 

Joseph  Nolle  Well,  No.  1. 

About  three  to  four  miles  southwest  of  Adaline.  Authority,  Bene- 
dum Brothers. 

• Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1076 

^‘Murphy’'  Sand 1113 

Cow  Run  Sand 1600 

Big  Lime 2140 

Big  Injun  Sand 2226  to  2496 

“ Stray (none). 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3075';  gas,  3085') 3070  ''  3085 

Gertrude  Stein  Well,  No.  5. 

At  St.  Joseph  Postoffice,  Meade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 
Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Mapletown  Coal  835  to  838 

Coal  (Redstone)  885  890 

Pittsburg  Coal 920  930 

Salt  Sand  1570  1890 

Big  Lime 1990  2040 

Big  Injun  Sand 2040  2310 

Stray’’ Sand 2885  2890 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2930  to  2940') 2925  2942 

Total  depth 2945 

Margaret  Hartley  Well,  No.  4. 

Two  miles  northeast  of  St.  Joseph,  Meade  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  615  to  620 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


210 


Maplciown  Coal  835  840 

PittsbiiTR-  Coal  955  965 

Salt  Sand  1700  1805 

Bii^Lime 2020  2059 

Tnjun  Sand 2059  ‘‘  2370 

‘‘Sti-ay’’ Sand 2934  2939 

Cordon  Sand  (oil,  2956  to  2965') 2954  ''  2969 

Total  depth 2974 

J.  C.  Cain  Well,  No.  7. 

Two  miles  northeast  of  St.  Joseph,  Meade  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Waynesburg) 430  435 

Mapletown  Coal 637  642 

Pittsburg  Coal 720  ''  728 

Salt  Sand  1640  ''  1680 

Big  Lime 1772  1827 

Big  Injun  Sand 1827  ''  2105 

‘‘Stray”  Sand 2677  “ 2680 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2720  to  2735') 2717  “ 2737 

Total  depth 2747 


IF.  IL  Dohhs  Well,  No.  3. 

Two  miles  north  of  Adaline,  Meade  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  

. ..  466 

to 

471 

Mapletown  Coal 

....  710 

( ( 

714 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. ...  800 

( ( 

804 

Salt  Sand  

....1370 

( ( 

1685 

Big  Lime 

....1895 

( c 

1930 

Big  Injun  Sand 

....1930 

i ( 

2175 

“Stray”  Sand 

. .. .2725 

( ( 

2730 

Gordon  Sand  

....2764 

( ( 

2795 

First  “pay”  

. . . .2768 

( ( 

2772 

Second  “pay” 

2788 

( i 

2792 

Total  depth 

. .. .2798 

A.  J.  Frolinapfel  Well, 

No.  5. 

One-half  mile  northwest  of  St.  Joseph,  Meade  district.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Native  coal 

535 

to 

540 

Mapletown  Coal  

760 

( ( 

765 

Pittsburg  Coal 

850 

t i 

857 

Salt  Sand  

1600 

1 ( 

1755 

Big  Lime 

1947 

( ( 

1987 

220 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IIECOIIDS  (MARSHALL) 


B]>  Injun  Sand 1987  ''  2247 

Stray’’ Sand 2807  ‘‘  2809 

Gordon  Sand  (oil  2855  to  2865') 2850  ''  2870 

Total  depth 2875 

Breiding  Heirs’  Well,  No.  7. 

IMeade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  515  to  520 

Mapletown  Coal 762  767 

Pittsburg  Coal 852  862 

Salt  Sand  1600  1780 

Big  Time 1950  ''  2040 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2040  ''  2260 

‘‘Stray”  Sand 2833  “ 2838 

Breiding  Heirs’  Well,  No.  2. 

IMeade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  coal 625  to  630 

IMapletown  Coal 845  “ 850 

Pittsburg  Coal 935  “ 945 

Salt  Sand  1680  “ 1800 

Big  Lime 2000  “ 2040 

Big  Ininn  Sand 2040  “ 2350 

“Stray”  Sand 2890  “ 2895 

Gordon  Sand  2825  “ 2943 

Total  depth 2949 

G.  IF.  Bowers  Well,  No.  1. 

Meade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Waynesburg)  204  to  209 

Mapletown  Coal 412  “ 414 

Pittsburg  Coal 500  “ 506 

Salt  Sand  1290  “ 1470 

Big  Injun  Sand 1682  “ 1920 

Gordon  Sand 2487  “ 2514 

John  Blaker  Well,  No.  1. 

IMeade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Jollytown)  170  to  173 

Waynesburg  Coal  415  “ 421 

Pittsburg  Coal  710  “ 715 

Sand  (Morgantown)  852  “ 870 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  (Saltzburg) 1015  “ 1035 

Big  Dunkard  and  Salt  Sand  1165  “ 1560 

Maxtoii  Sand  1605  “ 1645 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


221 


Bi£>-Lime 17S4  1840 

Rie:  Injun  Sand  1840  2070 

Stmy  Sand 2085  2712 

Gordon  Sand  2733  2736 

Fifth  Sand 2825  2832 

Adolph  Breiding  Well,  No.  1. 

iMeade  district.  Authority,  South  Peiin  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  550  to  555 

Mapletown  Coal 800  805 

Pittsburg  Coal  895  905 

Salt  Sand  1650  ‘‘  1820 

Big  Lime 1960  2000 

Big  Injun  Sand 2000  2310 

Stray  Sand 2870  2875 

Gordon  Sand 2891  2906 

Alley  & Lewis  Well,  No.  1. 

Meade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Waynesburg)  312  to  317 

Mapletown  Coal 520  ‘‘  522 

Pittsburg  Coal 608  614 

Salt  Sand  1390  1583 

Big  Injun  Sand 1740  1980 

Gordon  Sand  (oil  2598  and  2605') 2598  2621 

Alley  d'  Lewis  Well,  No.  2. 

Meade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Waynesburg)  605  to  611 

Pittsburg  Coal 893  899 

Salt  Sand  1668  1825 

Big  Injun  Sand 2010  2215 

Gordon  Sand  2881  2908 

Alley  d Lewis  Well,  No.  3. 

Meade  district.  Authority,  South  Ihmn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Waynesburg)  184  to  189 

Mapletown  Coal 392  394 

Pittsburg  Coal 480  486 

Salt  Sand  1262  1455 

Big  Injun  Sand 1612  1840 

Gordon  Sand  2467  2477 


222 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  liECOltDS  (MAllSHALL) 


A.  S.  Leach  Well,  No.  1. 

Meade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Native  Coal  (Waynesburg)  487  to  492 

Mapletown  CoaL.i 685  688 

Pittsburg  Coal 775  781 

Salt  Sand  1550  1707 

Big  Injun  Sand 1895  2100 

Gordon  Sand  2771  2798 

Total  depth 2798 


E.  B.  Francis  Well,  No.  1. 

Meade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Native  Coal  (Washington)  115  to  118 

Mapletown  Coal 440  “ 449 

Pittsburg  Coal 520  525 

Salt  Sand  975  1075 

Big  Lime 1550  1650 

Big  Injun  Sand 1650  1790 

Gordon  Sand  2524  2535 

Total  depth 2807 


8.  L.  Allen  Well,  No.  1. 

Franklin  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

to 

680 

Sand  . 

1200 

< i 

1300 

Big  Lime 

1700 

i ( 

1735 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1760 

( 1 

2000 

Gordon  Sand  

2610 

1 ( 

2616 

J.  M.  Parsons  Well,  No.  369. 

One  mile  west  of  Pioneer  Postoffice,  Franklin  district.  Authority, 


Hope  Natural  Gas  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  

....  554 

to 

558 

Mapletown  Coal 

....  870 

i ( 

875 

Pittsburg  Coal 

....  960 

( 1 

966 

Salt  Sand  

....1690 

( i 

1760 

Big  Lime  

....2025 

i ( 

2100 

Big  Injun  Sand 

....2100 

( ( 

2365 

Red  rock  

....2801 

( 1 

2886 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2980  to  2990') . . . . 

....2971 

i ( 

2997 

Total  depth 

2999 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


223 


Rosehys  Rock  Well. 

Clay  district,  near  Rosebys  Rock  Station,  B.  & 0.  R.  R.  Authority, 


Burt  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Maple  town  Coal 272 

Pittsburg  Coal  350 

Dunkard  Sand  S<S0 

Salt  Sand  (salt  water,  1234') 10G5  1376 

Big  Lime 1425 

Gas  (in  Big  Injun)  ‘. . .1475 

Bottom  Sand  ...1490 

Sand  again  (Big  Injun)  1514 

Salt  water  at  1532  and  1540'. 

Through  Sand  (Big  Injun)  1670 

Gantz  Sand 2130 

Shells  and  slate  to  bottom  at 2920 


Lem  Leach  Well,  No.  1. 

Five  miles  east  of  Moundsville,  and  three-fourths  of  a mile  west 
of  Limestone,  Washington  district.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  (good) 

545 

to 

552 

Cave 

635 

i i 

810 

Cow  Run  Sand  (Saltzburg)  . . . 

810 

t ( 

830 

Dunkard  Sand  

920 

( ( 

950 

Salt  Sand  

1000 

( ( 

1300 

Maxton  Sand  (hard)  

1440 

( ( 

1510 

Big  Lime 

1510 

i i 

1590 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  1645') . . 

1590 

( ( 

1840 

Gantz  Sand  (hard)  

2145 

i t 

2160 

Gordon  Sand,  shells,  hard 

2440 

Fifth  Sand,  shells  and  hard  . . , 

2590 

Total  depth  (dry.) 

2707 

Mound  Coal  Co.’s 

Well,  No.  1. 

On  east  edge  of  Moundsville. 

Authority,  Carter 

Oil 

Company. 

Sewickley  Coal  

220 

to 

227 

Cave 

380 

i ( 

425 

Cow  Run  Sand  (hard)  . . . 

600 

t ( 

615 

Salt  Sand  (broken) 

880 

( ( 

1080 

Maxton  Sand  (hard  and  water  at  top) . . . .1200 

< i 

1265 

Big  Lime,  hard 

1385 

( ( 

1445 

Big  Injun,  hard,  show  of 

oil  1450';  gas. 

1500'  

1450 

( ( 

1610 

Gordon  Sand  (shells)  .... 

2210 

( ( 

2218 

Total  depth  (dry) 

2579 

224 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOEDS  (MAESHALL) 


Mound  Coal  Cods  Well,  No.  2. 

On  east  edge  of  Moundsville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Coal,  Sewickley 206  to  212 

Coal  (Pittsburg)  280  289 

Cave  610  810 

Salt  Sand  905  1160 

Maxtor  Sand  (water  and  gas) 1200  1226 

Big  Lime  (shells  and  sand) 1300 

Big  Injun  Sand  ('dry ) ...1325  1465 

A.  L.  Buidey  Well,  No.  1. 

Webster  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  557 

Fifth  Sand  (gas,  2680') 2675  to  2690 

Total  depth 2756 


In  the  vicinity  of  Moundsville  three  different  '‘shallow”  oil 
horizons  have  been  developed,  and  all  have  been  designated  by 

the  term  "Cow  Pun.” 

% 

IMr.  M.  Callahan  has  drilled  two  or  three  wells  near  the 
mouth  of  Grave  creek,  at  Moundsville,  in  one  of  which  he  found 
oil  at  a depth  of  287  feet,  135  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal. 
This  he  calls  the  First  ^‘Cow  Run  Sand.^’  It  would  be  in  either 
the  Connellsville  or  ]\Iorgantown  sandstone.  The  other  produc- 
ing horizon  he  calls  the  Second  “Cow  Bun’’  Sand,  and  it  occurs 
at  a depth  of  623  feet,  469  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and 
hence  would  be  in  the  Mahoning  sandstone,  or  “ Dunkard  Sand” 
of  the  oil  producing  series,  which  is  the  regular  “First  Cow 
Run”  Sand  of  other  regions.  The  gravity  of  these  oils  is  47y2° 
Baume,  as  tested  from  a mixture  of  the  two  pumped  into  the 
same  tank. 

About  three  miles  northeast  from  Moundsville  another  hori- 
zon of  “Cow  Run”  Sand  oil  has  been  found  in  a sand  which 
comes  at  282  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  extends  to  302 
feet  below  the  same,  and  hence  occurs  in  the  Saltzburg  sandstone 
horizon.  These  wells  are  noted  for  the  production  of  oil  of  the 
lightest  specific  gravity  known  anywhere  in  the  country,  viz: 
63y>°  B.,  although  found  at  a depth  of  less  than  600  feet.  No 
regular  detailed  records  have  been  kept  of  these  shallow  wells 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


225 


aroniul  MoiUHlsvilli',  mikI  lu'nce  none  can  lx*  puhlislied.  Within 
the  last  t\‘w  months  a hii'^x*  ^as  fi(‘I(l  has  been  devc'loix'd  in 
northeasteim  IMarsliall  hy  the  Virginia  Oil  and  (Jas  Company  of 
Wheeling',  West  Virginia.  The  productive  horizon  belongs  at 
700  to  725  feet  below  the  Pittsbui*^-  coal,  and  hence  is  possilhy 
identical  with  the  “Cas”  Sand  of  JMarion  and  Monongalia 
counties,  which  generally  represents  the  extreme  top  of  the 
Pottsville  formation,  or  Homewood  sandstone  member  of  that 
series,  though  occasionally  it  is  the  Freeport  sandstone  of  the 
Allegheny  formation.  In  IMarsliall  county  the  rock  in  which  the 
gas  occurs  has  been  identified  with  the  “Salt  Sand”  by  the 
drillers.  One  of  these  fields  is  on  the  South  Fork  of  Wheeling 
creek,  near  the  mouth  of  Grandstaff  run,  three  to  three  and  one- 
half  miles  south  from  Elm  Grove,  and  the  wells  are  mostly  in  Sand 
Hill  district.  The  following  records  of  wells  drilled  there  have 
been  furnished  by  Mr.  W.  S.  Shaffer  of  the  Virginia  Oil  and 
Gas  Company,  Wheeling : 

Maria  Downing  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  and  one-half  miles  southeast  (d*  Elm  Grove  Postoffice. 
Authority,  Virginia  Oil  and  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Shale  15 

Toj)  Lime  42 

Hottom  Lime  9.4 

Coal  (Se  wick  ley)  124  to  124G) 

Pittsburg  Coal  411  217  “ 

Fir'st  (!ovv  Him  Sand  ( Saltzbiirg)  517  554 

Second  (5)w  Knii  Sand  (Dnnkard)  7()S  742 

Salt  Sand  904 


‘Mias  on  top  and  best  well  in  this  Held,  about  5, 000, ()()()  cubic  feet 
and  rock  jiressnre  475  pounds.” 

^ilas  Davis  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  and  one-half  mih'«  soutluaist  of  Elm  (trove  PosLiflice. 
Authority,  Virginia  Oil  and  Gas  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

To])  Lime  40 

Pittsburg  Coal  221  to  227 

First  Cow  linn  Sand  (Saltzbnrg) 527  “ 547 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand  (Dnnkard)  723 

Salt  Sand 924  “ 970 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (MAKSHALL) 


22t) 


^^Sti'iick  oil  at  about  015  feet,  and  sliot  with  bO  quarts  below  this 
depth,  v\hie]i  shut  off  tlie  oil  and  opened  up  the  gas.” 

Willimn  Miller  Well,  No.  1. 

'Three  and  oiie-lialf  iniles  southeast  of  Elm  Grove  Postoffice. 
Authoj’ity,  Yii’ginia  Oil  and  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Shale  10 

Top  Lime  38 

Bottom  Lime  88 

Coal  (Sewiekley)  120  to  1211/2 

Pittsburg  Coal  206  212 

First  Cow  Run  Sand  (Saltzburg) 512  540 

Second  Cow'  Run  Sand  (Dunkard) 708 

Salt  Sand  900  937 

Gas  at  937 


‘‘Utilzing  the  gas  for  drilling  purposes,  and  being  piped  to  Elm 
Grove  tor  use.  Probably  2,0t)0,000  feet  with  rock  pressure  of  260 
pounds.  ’ ’ 


George  F.  Folmar  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  miles  soutlieast  of  Elm  Grove  Postoffice.  Authority,  Vir- 
ginia Oil  and  Gas  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Top  Lime  

. . . . 40 

to 

40 

Pittsburg  Coal  . 

. ...  198 

1 i 

202 

Cave  (water)  

. ...  300 

First  Dunkard  Sand  (Saltzburg).... 

. . . . 500 

( ( 

520 

Second  Dunkard  Sand  

. ...  700 

( 1 

740 

Salt  Sand  

900 

( ( 

960 

” Broken”  (shale,  etc.)  

. ...  960 

( i 

1050 

Maxton  (?)  Sand  

....1050 

Flow  of  gas  at 

Good  flow  of  gas,  but  abandoned.” 

....1050 

Hen'  the  di'iiler  lias  called  the  Saltzburg  sancLstoue  the  First 
Dunkard  Sand,  and  has  doubtfully  referred  the  sand  at  1,050 
feet  to  the  Maxton.  It  is  most  probably  a member  of  the  Potts- 
ville,  above  tlu'  JMaxton  horizon.  The  succession  of  the  rocks 
both  ab()ve  and  below  this  gas  horizon  is  shown  by  the  record  of 
a well  bored  by  the  same  company  in  the  Majorsville  gas  held,  at 
tlie  eastern  line  of  Marshall  county,  as  follows: 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


227 


K.  rJ . Richmond  Well,  No.  1. 

On  Crow  cr(H‘k,  near  Majorsvillc.  Authority,  Virj^iiiia  Oil  & Cas 
Company : 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Gravel  

20 

to 

20 

Lime  

10 

30 

Slate  

5 

( ( 

35 

Lime  (water)  

11 

( ( 

46 

Llack  slate  

20 

i ( 

66 

White  lime  (liai’d)  

30 

( 1 

96 

Black  ‘slate  

20 

( ( 

116 

Lime  and  slate 

20 

( ( 

136 

Lime  (hard)  

23 

1 ( 

159 

Slate  

6 

( ( 

165 

Coal  

3 

i { 

168 

Slate  

20 

( ( 

188 

Slate  and  hard  lime 

30 

{ i 

218 

Lime  

25 

( ( 

243 

Lime,  hard  

19 

( i 

262 

Slate  

13 

i i 

275 

Lime,  hard  

5 

( ( 

280 

Pittsburg  Coal  (gas)  

7 

( ( 

287 

Slate  

13 

( ( 

300 

Lime  

30 

( ( 

330 

Red  rock  

5 

(1 

335 

Slate  

15 

( ( 

350 

Lime  (hard) 

10 

C ( 

360 

Red  rock 

. 10 

i ( 

370 

Slate  

30 

i ( 

400 

Lime  (hard)  

10 

( c 

410 

Red  rock  

5 

i ( 

415 

Slate  

20 

( ( 

435 

Lime  

15 

1 i 

450 

Slate  

30 

( i 

480 

Red  rock  

5 

( ( 

485 

Slate  

55 

i i 

540 

Red  rock  

10 

( ( 

550 

Slate  

40 

< 1 

590 

Slate  and  lime 

20 

i ( 

610 

Sandstone,  white 

5 

i ( 

615 

Slate  

5 

( ( 

620 

Coal  (gas)  Bakerstown 

3 

i ( 

623 

Slate  

17 

( i 

640 

Lime  

( i 

()45 

Slate  

20 

( ( 

665 

Red  rock  

10 

t i 

675 

Lime  

( ( 

685 

228 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (MARSHALL) 


Slate  65  750 

Ijime  and  shells 15  “ 765 

Sandstone,  white  (Uiinkard,  U.  Mahoning)  30  “ 795 

Slate  5 800 

Sandstone  10  “ 810 

Shells.  15  825 

Sandstone  (white,  Lower  Mahoning) 20  “ 845 

Slate  5 850 

Sandstone  25  875 

Slate  5 880 

Coal,  gas  (Lower  Freeport ?) 3 “ 883 

Slate  7 890 

Lime  (hard)  10  . 900 

Slate  10  910 

Sandstone  10  920 

Lime  15  935 

Sandstone  15  “ 950 

Slate  10  960 

Sandstone  20  980 

Slate  7 987 

Sand,  hard,  some  salt  (Gas  Sand)  16  “ 1003 

Slate  17  1020 

Shells  5 1025 

Slate  42  1067 

Sandstone  (black)  5 1072 

Slate  78  ''  1150 

Sand  (Maxton?  of  Geo.  P.  Folinar  well).  30  1180 

Slate  20  1200 

Slate  and  shells 20  ‘‘  1220 

Sandstone,  black 10  1230 

Shells  30  ''  1260 

Slate  10  1270 

Sandstone,  white  (base  of  Pottsville) . . . . 25  ‘‘  1295 

Slate  and  shells 20  1315 

Lime  and  sandstone  (probably  true  Alax- 

ton  Sand)  40  1355 

Slate,  black  50  1405 

Big  Lime  (sandy) 10  1415 

Slate  15  1430 

Big  Injun  Sand,  hard  and  pebbly 40  “ 1470 

Shells  ‘ 30  1500 

Sandstone  (base  of  Big  Injun)  70  “ 1570 

Slate  70  1640 

Shells  and  sandy 40  1680 

Shale,  black  . . 20  ‘ ' 1700 

Slate  100  1800 

Lime  15  1815 

Slate  50  1865 

Lime,  hard  20  1885 


WEST  VUKUNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUliVEY 




15 

1900 

25 

C i 

C i 

1925 

Lime  (hard  and  samly)  . . . . 

5 

1930 

4 

i i 

1934 

50 

( ( 

1984 

If) 

( ( 

2000 

40 

( ( 

2040 

10 

( c 

2050 

30 

( ( 

2080 

20 

( i 

2100 

Wliifp  <^late  

25 

( i 

2125 

8 

i ( 

2133 

Sand,  gas  (plenty)  

3 

i c 

2136 

6 

t ( 

2142 



Slate  

98 

i i 

2240 

Lime  and  pebbly  sand-  i 

) 

stone 1 “ 

Stray”  and  > 

■ 40 

( ( 

2280 

White  sandstone  (hard ) ( 

Gordon.  ) 

1 30 

i i 

2310 

Shells  

30 

( ( 

2340 

Red  I'oek 

5 

i i 

2345 

Sliells  and  slate 

95 

( i 

2440 

Fifth  Sand  (thin  ‘‘break”  ; 

at  2445') 

45 

i ( 

2485 

Silnf  p 

( ( 

2520 

Red  rock  

50 

( i 

2570 

Shells,  blaf'k 

7 

( i 

2577 

Lime  and  shells 

10 

i i 

2587 

Rayai'd  Sainl,  hard,  dai'k.. 

10 

i i 

2597 

Slale  to  botlom 

() 

i ( 

2603 

The  saud  stfuek  at  987  feet  in  this  well,  and  holdino-  some 
salt  wat(‘i’,  is  appairnt ly  tlie  j;‘as  sand  of  tlie  wells  t]ir(‘e  miles 
soiitlK'ast  from  Elm  (irov(‘,  since  its  top  comes  at  700  fei't  below 
the  Pittshni’^'  co<d,  hut  its  ])osition,  448  feet  nhove  the  toj)  of 
the  Bi»'  Injnn  S;ind  stiau'k  at  1,480  f(*et  in  this  well,  puts  the 
horizon  in  tlu^  Alh'j^heny  foi-mation  instead  of  in  the  Salt  Saud 
(Pottsvill(') , whose  base*  apjavirs  to  coim'  at  1,295  feet.  If  the 
o*ns  hoi'izon,  700  f(‘(4  nmhn*  lh(‘  Pittshin*^'  coal,  is  also  in  the  Potts- 
vilh‘,  this  would  mak(^  that  fonmition  800  feet  thick  in  this  region, 
which  aj)p(‘nrs  exc('ssiv(‘,  compar(*d  with  the  Alleglumy,  whose 
top  must  have  h(‘en  struck  at  845  fc'ct,  since  that  is  only  IGO  feet 
below  tlu'  lowest  red  bed  of  th(‘  rta'ord.  4'his  interpndation  would 
give  the  Conemaugh  formation  a thickness  of  558  feed,  which  is 
in  close  agreement  with  the  results  obtained  in  contiguous 
regions. 


230 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IIECOKDS  (OHIO; 


J.  M.  Allison  Well,  No.  1. 

Three-fourths  of  a mile  northwest  of  E.  J.  Richmond  well. 
Authority,  Virginia  Oil  A Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 290  “ 297 

Duukard  Sand,  thin  750 

Gas  Sand  (gas  at  1030,  increasing  to  bot- 
tom at  1055')  1015  “ 1055 

‘‘Good  for  six  to  seven  million  feet,  and  rock  pressure  720 
pounds.  ’ ’ 

This  reported  rock  pressure  is  very  high  for  the  depth,  and 
may  possibly  be  in  error. 

OHIO  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Ohio  county  lies  directly  north  from  Marshall,  but  it  has 
never  had  any  oil  or  gas  production  worth  mentioning,  and 
hence,  but  few  records  are  available  within  its  small  area. 

In  Volume  I,  pages  361  and  365,  published  in  1898,  is  given 
the  record  of  the  Boggs  Run  Well  (three  miles  below  Wheeling), 
the  deepest  (4,500  feet)  boring  yet  made  in  West  Virginia.  The 
Venango  Group  of  sands  had  practically  disappeared  in  this  well, 
the  last  3,000  feet  being  practically  continuous  slate.  In  this 
well,  however,  at  a depth  of  2,955  feet,  2,615  feet  below  the  Pitts- 
burg coal,  a sandy  stratum  was  found  which  showed  traces  of  oil 
and  gas.  This  is  most  probably  the  horizon  of  the  Speechley 
Sand  of  Pennsylvania. 

In  the  Central  Glass  Company’s  boring  on  Wheeling  creek, 
near  the  center  of  Wheeling  (given  on  page  366,  1.  c.),  the  Berea 
Grit  is  reported  at  a depth  of  1,605  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal. 

'Fhe  late  Dr.  Edward  Orton  gives  in  Volume  VI,  i)age  405, 
of  the  Ohio  Survey  Reports,  the  record  of  a well  (Laughlin) 
drilled  in  Martins  Ferry,  just  opposite  Wheeling,  in  which  two 
bauds  of  red  rock  are  reported  from  depths  of  1,610  and  1,660 
f(^et  respectively,  and  as  the  derrick  floor  is  about  60  f(‘et  below 
the  Pittsburg  coal,  these  reds  would  represent  th(‘  very  p(U’sistent 
red  beds  which  underlie  the  “Fifty-foot”  Sand  of  Marion,  Mon- 
ongalia and  other  counties  to  tlu'  east,  wh(u*(‘  tlu'  ui)pei’most  one 
is  seldom  found  under  a depth  of  1,975  feet  below  the  Pittsburg 


WEST  VTUGTNTA  aEOEOaTCAE  SEUVEY 


2'M 


coal,  thus  revoaliiiij^  a.  (lisai)|)(‘a ranee  of  250  to  200  feet  of 
measures  between  ManninG^ton  and  Wheeling. 

On  Wlieeling  ei*('ek,  al)out  three  miles  above  its  mouth,  a well 
was  one(‘  bored  ou  the  land  of  the  late  Judge  Jdiompson,  by 
Messrs.  (leorg(‘  B.  Hill  and  John  1).  Scully,  of  Pittsburg,  who 
repoii.  the  following  record  of  same: 

Judge  Thompson  Well. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Interval  from  Pittsburg  Coal 45  to  45 

Drive  pipe  '. 41  80 

Slate  50  130 

Sand  150  301 

Red  rock 20  “ 321 

Sand,  gray  10  331 

Red  roek  25  350 

Slate  39  ‘‘  395 

Coal  (Bakerslown) 2 397 

Slate  148  545 

Sandstone  100  “ 045 

Coal  4 049 

Sand,  white  170  825 

Sand,  black,  with  mineral  water 15  ‘‘  840 

Slate  15  “ 855 

Sand,  white  300  “ 1215 

Slate  and  shells 430  “ 1045 

Red  rock 35  1080 

Slate  and  shells 355  2035 

Slate  and  shells 250  2285 

Sandstone  20  ‘‘  2305 

Slale  and  shells 130  2435 

White  slate  to  bottom  ot  boring 10  2445 


300  f(‘(‘t  of  white  sand  i*(‘i)ortial  fi'om  855  to  1,215  uu- 
donbtvdly  holds  a portion  of  the  Pottsville,  as  well  as  all  of  the 
Big  Binx'  (Inu'e  sandy)  and  all  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand. 

IlUOOKh:  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Brook(^  eouiity  lic'S  directly  north  fi’otn  Ohio,  and  like  the 
lath'!*,  has  had  but  litt  l(‘  oil  or*  gas  (hweloixul  within  its  boundary. 
Soirre  fair  gas  wells  wer*(‘  found  in  tin'  i*egiou  of  Wellsburg,  along 
the  Ohio  i*ivei*,  18  to  20  y(‘ar*s  ago,  but  they  have  long  since  failed 
to  yield  gas  in  paying  (piantity,  as  the  saird  was  thin,  and  the 
porosity  poor.  This  gas  horizon,  as  shown  by  the  record  of 


‘232 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (BROOKE) 


Barclay  Well,  No.  1,  "iven  on  pa^c  867,  Vol.  I,  West  Virginia 
(Icological  Suiwcy,  rcj)rosents  the  ‘‘Berea  Grit”  of  Ohio,  and 
conies  about  BhoO  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  which  crops  in 
the  Wellshnrg  hills,  850  feet  above  the  derrick  floor.  A few 
small  oil  vadls  have  been  found  in  the  Berea  Grit  by  the  Carter 
Oil  Company,  two  to  three  miles  northwest  from  Bethany  and 
three  and  one-fonrth  miles  southeast  from  Wellshnrg.  These 
wells  ar(‘  situated  along  the  waters  of  Buffalo  creek,  and  one  near 
the  montli  of  Mingo  rnn  on  the  Bethany  turnpike,  gave  the  fol- 
lowing record : 

Roherf  Underwood  Well,  No.  1. 

On  Buffalo  creek,  two  miles  below  Bethany.  Authority,  Carter 


Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  

. ...  260 

( ( 

264 

Coal  (proliably  Upper  Kittanning) . . 

. ...  440 

( i 

445 

Salt  Sand  

. ...  650 

( i 

900 

Big  Lime 

. ...  920 

( ( 

980 

Big  Iiijim  Sand  

. ...  980 

( ( 

1120 

Berea  

....1488 

i ( 

1507 

Total  depth  

1509 

‘‘Oil  and  gas  in  top  of  Berea, about  80-barrel 

well. 

The  Pittsburg  coal  is  opemal  in  the  hills  here  about  200 
feet  above  the  derrick  floor,  thus  mnking  the  interval  from  it  to 
the  “Berea''  of  the  well  1,700  feet,  and  from  the  same  coal  to 
tht‘  top  of  th(‘  Big  Injun  Sand  1,200  feet,  or  practically  the  same 
as  at  Washington,  Pcanisylvania,  whei*e  the  inbowal  from  the 
Pittsburg  coal  to  the  “Gantz”  Sand  is  1,800  bad.  The  record 
of  th(‘  Underwood  w('ll  would  ])oint  to  th(‘  conclusion  that  the 
“B(n’(‘a”  of  this  well  may  possibly  be  identical  with  the  Gantz 
Sand  of  Washington  comity. 

Roberi  U }ulerwood  Well,  No.  2. 

Oil  Buffalo  creek,  about  500  fc‘(‘t  northeast  of  Robert  Underwood, 
No.  1.  Anthority,  Caib'r  Oil  Comiiany. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal 

808  ‘ ‘ 

812 

Salt  1 

bind 

(waiei 

■ at  760') 

()()0  “ 

!)80 

Big  Lniin 

Sand,  1 

lard 

1150 

Berea 

Gril 

:,  oil  in 

toj) 

1497  “ 

1515 

Total 

del) 

th  .... 

1546 

(Five 

-barrel 

well.) 

WKST  VllUilNTA  (lEOLOGTCAL  SUltVEY 


23:3 


McClcary  Well,  No.  7. 

4\v()  {111(1  oiu'-hiili'  iiiil(‘s  nortlnv(‘st  ol'  Rc'tlinny.  Authority,  C{ii‘t(‘r 
Oil  C()iiii){iiiy. 

Feet.  Feet. 


(\,nl  405  500 

Salt  Snial,  water  at  705' G05  “ 040 

Tnjiin  Sand,  hard 1116  1240 

Total  depth  2273 

(Dry.) 


Ada  Hindman  Well,  No.  1. 

About  two  and  one-liall  inih^s  northwest  of  Bethany.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Com])any. 


Coal 

Feet. 

550 

C ( 

Feet. 

560 

Salt  Sand  

750 

1 i 

S80 

Big  Injim  Sand  

1135 

1500 

i i 

1515 

Total  depth  

1577 

“I)iy  liole. ” 

HANCOCK  COUNTY  WELL  UECOKOld. 


ITaneoek  county  lie's  directly  north  from  Brooke',  {ind  has 
lon^’  had  some*  jj^'as  {vnd  oil* production  rroiii  the'  “Be'reii  Orit”  of 
the  Ohio  serie's.  This  counly  has  the  distine'dion  of  heiiifj;’  the 
th’st  one'  in  the'  ('.ountry  to  utilize'  mitural  ^iis  for  the  inanufiiedure 
of  carbon  black,  a j^iis  we'll  in  Ne'w  (himberhind  having’  be^en  use'd 
for  that  juirpose'  iis  e'arly  id  bSb  t,  {ind  e'ontinue'd  until  the'  gas  was 
jiriictie'ally  e'xlniuste'd  in  1S(S3.  'This  giis  oeecurs  in  the  Jterca 
Crit  Sand,  about  1,50(1  to  1,550  fe'e't  below  the^  Fittsburg  coid,  in 
what  ajiia'ars  to  corre'spond  to  the'  Butle'r  county,  Ibi.,  ‘Abis 
Sand,”  and  to  what  some'  of  the'  drilh'rs  in  We'st  Virginia  have 
fre'epie'iitly  te'rme'd  the'  upjn'i*  “Thirty-foot  Sand.”  The’  write'i* 
has  some'tinu's  thought  it  possible'  that  this  “ Be're'.a  ” of  Ohio 
might  re'pre'se'iit  the'  Cantz  Sand  of  Fe'iinsyl vania  {ind  We'st  Vir- 
ginia, which  unde'rlie’S  Ihe'  Dittsbiirg  ('0{il  by  {in  inle'rvid  of  1,S00 
to  1,000  f('('t,  the'  me'iisure's  h.aving  thinne'd  iiwiiy  250  to  300  ieet 
in  ])assing  we'stward  to  Brooke'  {ind  Iliine'ock  countie's,  but  {is  this 
region  is  directly  in  the'  tre'iid  of  the  me'iisures  southwe'stward 
from  Butler  county,  l*a.,  where  the  “Gas”  S{ind  of  that  region 


234 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOllDS  (HANCOCK) 


is  found  at  the  same  interval  (1,500  to  1,G00  feet)  below  the 
Ibttsburg  coal,  it  ap[)ears  very  probable  that  in  Hancock  and 
T^rooke  counties,  at  least,  the  oil  sand  known  as  the  ‘‘Berea’’ 
may  represent  the  latter  stratum  rather  than  the  Gantz  oil  sand. 

The  “Turkey-Foot”  oil  pool  of  Hancock  county  was  discov- 
er(;d  by  the  Bridgewater  Gas  Company  on  the  waters  of  King 
creek  by  a well  drilled  to  the  Berea,  or  Smiths  Ferry  Sand,  on 
the  Brice  fai*m,  October  12,  1888.  No  large  producers  have  yet 
been  found,  the  wells  averaging  from  five  to  thirty  barrels,  but 
there  has  been  a steady  and  profitable  production  ever  since  the 
field  was  first  opened,  and  new  wells  continue  to  be  drilled.  The 
oil  is  a beautiful  light  amber  in  color,  like  that  at  Smiths  Ferry, 
Ohio,  and  about  49°  gravity. 

The  well  records  in  Hancock  are  quite  lacking  in  details, 
and  henc(‘  do  not  give  much  desirable  information  as  to  the  dif- 
ferent members  of  the  formations  aliove  the  Berea,  except  that  the 
position  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand  is  generally  noted,  because  the 
easing  must  go  through  the  latter  formation  in  order  to  shut  off 
the  salt  water. 

'fhe  Fisher  Oil  Company  of  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  has  drilled  sev- 
eral wells  along  the  wati'rs  of  King  creek  in  the  Turkey-Foot 
field,  and  the  following  are  some  of  the  records  kindly  furnisheo 
by  that  company: 


Levi  Gardner  Well,  No.  2. 

Drive  pipe  (7%")  

Casing  (5%")  

Oil  Sand  (Berea)  ' 

Finislied  at 

Levi  Gardner  Well,  No.  3. 

Seven  and  five-eighths-inch  easing.  . 

Five  and  five-eiglnlis-ineli  easing 

Oil  sand,  22'  thiek  

Bottom  

rJamefi  Chambers  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 
. 115 
. 890 
.125!) 
.1290 


e'eet. 
. 112 
. 930 
.1259 
.1281 


Drive  pi]>e  (7%") 
Casing  (5%")  . . . 


Feet. 
. 120 
. 890 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  23r> 

Oil  Sand 1212 

Tliroui^li  Oil  Sand  (llorea) 123() 

Uottoin  1240 

James  Cluimhcrs  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet. 

Drive  pipe,  7%" 120 

Casini?,  5%"  010 

Oil  Sand 1185 

Tbrongli  Sand  1208 

Finished  at  1223 

Thomas  Feterson  Well  No.  2. 

Feet. 

Drive  pipe  7%"  95 

Casing'  pipe,  7%" 820 

Oil  sand  1107 

Throngli  Oil  Sand  (Berea)  1189 

Finished  at  1201 

Mercer  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet. 

Casing,  7%'''  140 

Casing,  5%""  848 

Oil  Sand  (Berea)  1200 

Through  Sand 1218 

Bottom  1238 

Mrs.  Wylie  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet. 

(Jasing,  7%"  99 

('asing,  5%"  910 

Oil  Sand  (Berea)  1234 

' Bottom  of  Sand  1257 

Bottom  of  well  1272 


Ml*,  d aim's  Murray  and  Murray  and  Milh'i*  of  Chester,  TTan- 
coek  eounty  have*  opi'rati'd  to  a eonsich'rahh'  exti'iit  for  oil  in  the 
Turk('y-foot  lii'ld,  and  tlu'y  liav(‘  furnished  th(‘  Surv(‘y  the  fol- 
lowing reeords : 

N.  A.  Ihieletaond  Well,  No.  3. 

Four  and  oiu'-half  mih's  southeast  of  Qliester.  Authority,  James 


Murray. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (probably  Middle  Iviltanning) 350 

^Olig”  Coal  (])rohal>ly  Lower  Kit  tanning)  410 

Salt  Sand  514 

Big  Injun  Sand  740  to  757 

Berea  Grit  1113  1100 

^ ^ Five-barrel  well.  ’ ’ 


23G 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOUDS  (HANCOCK) 


S.  jl.  Richmond  Well,  No.  d. 


Four  niid  ou(‘-li;ill‘  miles  soutlieast  of'  CliesHm.  Authority,  James 
Murray. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Coal  (Mahoniny?)  240 

^M>iy”  Coal  (Lower  Kittanniny'?) 520 

Salt  Sand  '. (510 

Hottoni  of  Big  Tnjnn  Sand 8S3 

Berea,  Sand  to  bottom  of  well 1212  to  1254 

‘^Five-barrel  well.” 


J.  1Tb  ratterson  Well,  No.  1. 


Four  aud  oue-balf  miles  soutlu^ast  of  Cbesb'r.  Autbority,  James 
i\furray. 

Feet.  Feet. 

“Big”  Coal  (Upper  Kittanning?) .325 


Salt  Sand  405  to  510 

Bottom  Big  Injnn  Sand 700 


Berea  Sand  to  bottom  of  well 1070  “ 1107 

“Show  of  oil  in  Berea.” 

Rohert  Stetvari  Well,  No.  1. 


Five  mib‘s  soutlieast  of  Chester.  Autbority,  James  Muri’ay. 

Feet.  Feet. 


“Big”  Coal  (Lower  Kittanning)  31<S 

Salt  Sand  '. 420  “ 490 

Big  Injun  Sand OSO  “ 720 

Berea  Grit  to  bottom  of  well  1050  “ 10t)b 

“Fair  gas  well  in  Berea.’’ 


ir.  N.  Rell  Well,  No.  7. 

Sev('u  miles  soutlu'ast  of  Cln'stc'r.  Autbority,  Murray  & Miller. 

Feed. 


Bottom  of  “ Injnn” .' 1030 

Top  Berea  Sand  1.325 

Total  de]>tb  1359 


“The  Bell  wells  made  about  25  l)ai'rels  when  first  drilled.” 


ir.  A.  Hell  Well,  No.  2. 

S(nTn  udles  southeast  of  Cln'ster.  Autbority,  Murray  & IMilhu-. 

I’eet. 


Boltom  of  “Tnjnn”  Sand  955 

I’op  of  B(‘r('a  Sand  (“pay,”  1310'  to  1320') 1290 

Total  de])th  1327 

“Made  about  25  hai-rels  at  first.” 


WEST  VIUdINIA  (’.EOLOGICAE  SUKVEA^  TM 


\K.  N.  lldl  Well,  No.  i. 


Seven  miles  southeast  ol*  Clu'stm*. 

Authority,  Murray  & Milh;r. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Bet  tom  ol*  Bii;-  liiiiin  Sand 

900 

Berea  Sand  

1253 

t.o 

1280 

Total  deiilh  ol  well 

2200 

“IMade  about  125  barrels  at 

, lirst.” 

. IL.  L.  Patterson  Well,  No.  1. 

S(‘ven  miles  southeast  of  Chester. 

Authority,  James 

Murray. 

Coal  (Malioning,  “droff”  vein) 

200 

Coal  (Lower  Freeport  “Roger”  vein)...  340 

Sandstone  (Freeport)  

370 

“Big”  Coal  (Lower  Kittaiiniiig 

;•) 450 

Salt  Sand  . . . 

5G0 

to 

610 

Big-  Injun  Sand  

844 

i i 

876 

Berea  Grit  

1183 

( ( 

1210 

Robert  Patterson 

M^ell  No.  1. 

Near  Holidays  Cove.  Authority,  James  Murray. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

( ^ ) a 1 ( B a k e r s to  ^v  n ? ) 

90 

“Big”  Coal  (Tjowei-  Freejiort, 

“Roger” 

vein)  

Big  Injun  Sand  

720 

to 

910 

Berea  Sand  

1240 

( ( 

1276 

Total  depth  

1290 

“Dry  hole.” 

Tn  the  region  of  Smiths  Fenry,  Ohio,  just 

ojiposite  the 

northern  [)()int  ol'  Ilaiieoek  county,  where  tlie  l^ei'ea  Sand  has 
l)r'odue(*d  oil  foi*  many  y(au‘s,  its  intcnwal  helow  tlu'  Lower  Kit- 
tanning-  ('nal  is  750  i‘(*(‘t,  and  IxOow  tlu^  Lerril'cn-ous  (Van[)ort) 
liniestoiK',  700  feet,  whihi  in  Ihitler  e.ouidy,  Pa.,  tii(‘  inh'rval  t'l'oin 
th(^  K('i'ri IVi'ons  Limestone  to  the  toj)  ol*  tlie  (hud./,  or  ‘‘Hundred- 
foot, ” is  050  to  1,000  l*(*et.  In  tlu^  same  county  (Butler)  the 
interval  fj'oin  tlu'  Ferril'eroiis  Liim*stone  to  tlie  ‘‘(Jas”  Sand  is 
750  to  800  fiH't,  and  lienee,  it  ajijx'ars  more  probable  that  the 
‘‘B(‘r(‘a,”  or  prodiK'inj^  sand  ol*  IlaiH'.oek  county  will  prov(^  to  he 
id(mti('.al  rather  witli  the  “Las”  Sand  ot  Butler,  than  with  the 
(hint/  (uppin-  division  ol*  tlu'  1 1 iui<lred-l*oot) . 

TYLNlt  COUNTY  WELL  IIECOIIDN. 


Tyler  county  hordm'S  tlu;  Ohio  river  Tor  15  miles  immediately 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOliDS  (TYLER) 


2.‘}8 

south  Itoui  Wetzel  county,  and  extends  eastward  to  the  same 
“dividing  ridge”  which  separates  Wetzel  from  Marion  and 
Harrison  counties,  lienee  it  conies  within  the  same  zone  so 
wonderfidly  rich  in  both  oil  and  gas  that  characterizes  the  under- 
lying beds  of  the  latter  county,  and,  therefore,  many  hundreds, 
or  rather  some  thousands,  of  oil  and  gas  borings  have  already 
been  drilled  within  the  limits  of  Tyler,  and  it  has  probably  pro- 
ducer! more  oil  than  any  other  county  in  the  State,  although  its 
area  is  only  300  square  miles. 

The  oil  history  of  this  county  may  be  said  to  have  opened 
with  the  drilling  in  of  the  Stewart  farm  well  on  the  Ohio  side  of 
the  river,  opposite  Sistersville,  July  1,  1891,  since  the  drill  was 
soon  afterwards  sent  down  to  the  oil  sand  on  the  West  Virginia 
side  of  the  river.  This  first  oil  development  of  the  county  was 
in  the  Big  Injun  Sand  which  underlies  the  Ohio  river  only  about 
1,100  feet  at  Sistersville,  and  hence  the  wells  could  be  rapidly 
completed,  so  that  the  production  of  the  field  grew  rapidly,  and 
at  one  time,  in  1892-3,  approached  20,000  barrels  daily  from  both 
the  West  Virginia  and  Ohio  sides  of  the  river.  One  peculiarity 
of  the  Big  Injun  Sand  region  of  Sistersville  worthy  of  note  is  the 
fact  that  the  oil  occurs  mixed  with  vast  (juantities  of  both  salt 
water  and  gas,  the  three  not  having  been  separated  in  their  rock 
reservoir,  as  is  the  rule,  so  that  when  the  first  well  was  drilled 
into  the  sand  on  Bolecat  run,  near  Sistersville,  more  than  a year 
previous  to  the  completion  of  the  Stewart  well,  the  former  fail- 
ing to  produce  oil  in  paying  (quantity,  was  abandoned  as  un- 
lu'oductive.  It  was  discovered  by  experience  that  three-inch 
tubing,  instead  of  two-inch,  was  reapiired  to  enable  tlie  pump 
to  exhaust  the  salt  water  and  j)erniit  the  oil  to  come  into  the  w(91s 
freely.  Then,  two  years  after  the  “Polecat”  well  had  been 
abandoned  as  worthless,  its  owners  put  the  larger  tubing  into  the 
same,  and,  after  })umping  salt  water  for  a month  or  more,  were 
rewarded  by  seciii-ing  a flowing  oil  well  which  produced  500 
barrels  of  oil  daily,  along  with  probably  twice  as  much  salt  water. 
The  explanation  of  this  j)eculiar  mixing  of  the  wat(U’,  oil  and  gas 
in  the  Sistersville  field  api)ears  to  be  found  in  its  gc'ologic  struc- 


WEST  VIIUUNIA  (}E()LO(a(^AL  SURVEY 


239 


ture.  A low  aiiiicliiuil,  or*  nitlier  ({LUKjuavcrsal  ((lipi)ing  in  every 
(lii*(‘eiion)  ui)lift  [)jisses  tlirou^b  the  field,  and  at  only  one  point 
(a  siii^’h'  Jarn)  on  tlie  Ohio  side  of  the  river)  does  the  erest  of 
the  fold  attain  an  altitude  sufficiently  ^reat  to  lift  the  reservoir 
hii^'li  enou”-h  to  ^ive  sufficient  relief  for  the  separation  of  even 
the  ^‘as  from  the  oil  and  water,  since  such  vast  (quantities  of  all 
were  orig-inally  present  in  the  very  porous  resevoir,  the  Big  Injun 
Sand  being  very  coarsely  q^ehbly  in  the  Sistersviile  region. 

The  Big  Injun  Sand,  which,  in  Monongalia,  Marion,  M^etzel 
and  Doddridge,  is  one  massive  sandstone  from  top  to  bottom 
with  only  an  occasional  A break”  of  limestone  or  slate  30  to  40 
feet  below  its  upq)ermost  layer,  develops  a persistent  division  of 
slate  in  the  Sistersviile  region,  and  as  the  sand  above  this 
‘‘break”  first  developed  productive  oil  wells  on  the  Keener  farm, 
near  Sistersviile,  it  thus  secured  from  the  oil  fraternity  the 
name  “Keener”  Sand,  which  the  upper  portion  of  the  Big  Injun 
formation  has  ever  since;  retained,  so  that  there  are  five  main  pro- 
ducing sands  in  Tyler  county,  viz:  “Cow  Run,”  or  Dunkard, 
Maxton,  Keener,  Big  Injun  proper,  and  Gordon.  The  fine 
geological  guide  and  “Key  rock,”  the  Pittshurg  coal,  a strati- 
graphical  marker  so  valuable  to  the  driller,  as  well  as  to  the 
geologist,  in  the  correlation  of  the  different  coal  beds,  limestones, 
sands,  etc.,  is  largely  absent  from  Tyler  county,  excei)t  along 
its  northeastern  border  on  Wetzel  and  Tyler,  where,  although 
(luitc  thin,  it  is  fn^quently  r'(‘[)orted,  having  thinned  away  west- 
ward, oi*  hecome  so  r(‘du(;ed  in  thickness  as  to  be  seldom  recog- 
nizable by  the  driller.  In  the  Elk  Fork  Ik)ol,  a coal  bed  (i)ro])- 
ably  th(;  Sewickl(;y)  100  or  more  iuet  above  the  Pittsburg,  has  (k;- 
casioiially  bc'cn  identified  by  the  di'illers  with  the  Pittsburg  bed, 
but  th(;  i'(;fei'enc(;  is  in  eri-o!-.  Ii]  east(;rn  Tyler,  where  the  Pitts- 
burg coal  is  fcMpieiitly  noted,  its  interval  above  the  Big  Injun 
Sand  is  about  1,300  tfuT,  and,  as  th(‘  latter  is  (piite  persisbmt,  it 
enabl(;s  om;  to  fix  the  horizon  of  the  Pittsbui'g  coal  api)roximately, 
and  thus  to  correlate  the  oth(;r  formations  indirectly  with  a fair 
degree  of  accuracy. 

3410  following  well  records  from  the  s(*veral  regions  of  Tyler 


210 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOllDS  (TYLEll) 


county  will  illustrate  tlu'  uudcrgTouud  rock  succession  therein: 
Joh/ii  lioolter  Well,  No.  1. 

JMcKlroy  (listj'ict.  Authority,  I)(ivonian  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  

....  980 

to 

1025 

Salt  Sand  

....1380 

i ( 

1470 

I)ij4'  Lime 

. . . .1740 

i e 

1830 

Rig  Ininii  Sand  (gas)  

....1870 

Lloyd  Weekley  Well, 

No.  1. 

McElroy  district.  Authority,  Devonian 

Oil  Compajiy. 

Feet. 

Feet„ 

Cow  Run  Sand 

....  870 

i i 

945 

Salt  Sand  

. . . .1000 

i i 

1200 

Rig  Lime 

... .1630 

i i 

1710 

Rig  Injun  Sand 

....1715 

i i 

1787 

^^Pay”  

. . . .1777 

( ( 

1787 

T.  J.  Buck  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Van  Camp,  in  extreme  northern  corner  of  Tyler,  Lincoln 
district.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

(nvv  Rim  Sand  40 

1>L'  Lime 

‘Oh-eak”  (slate)  

Hig  Injun  Sand  

Total  depth  • 

Beatty  Heirs’  Well,  No.  2. 


Feet, 
to  900 
1565 
1664 
1669 
1722 


Northern  etl^e  of  Tyler,  near  ILrd  Fostoftice.  Authority,  Caider 


Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet . 

(k)al  (Maeksbnrg?)  

6 

to 

638 

('ow  Rim  Sand 

. . . 20 

i i 

1300 

Salt  Sand  

. . . 500 

i ( 

1432 

Max  ton  Sand  

. ..  10 

i i 

2020 

Rig  Lime 

. . . 70 

i ( 

2090 

Keener  Sand  

( i 

2160 

Rig  In  j nil  Sand 

< i 

2205 

(Jave  at  1050'  and  2075'. 

(Uitkeriue  Nultner  Well, 

No.  3. 

In  Elk  Fork  oil  held,  Ellsworth  district. 

Authoilty, 

Cai'te 

Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

(hive  

712 

(l)w  liun  Sand 

5 

to 

960 

Salt  Sand  

. . . 300 

i i 

982 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


241 


Maxton  Sand 15  1604 

Big  Lime 65  1683 

Keener  Sand  32  **  1755 

James  Eddy  Well  No.  7. 

In  Elk  Fork  oil  fields  Ellsworth  district.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cave  250  to  830 

Cow  Run  Sand 20  1088 

Salt  Sand  300  1108 

Maxton  Sand 15  1725 

Cave  7 1780 

Keener  Sand  28  1855 

Total  depth  1895 

Grove  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

McElroy  district.  Authority,  Victor  Oil  and  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Elk  Lick)  700  to  703 

Cow  Run  Sand 905  “ 925 

Salt  Sand  1100  1250 

Big  Lime 1720  “ 1800 

Big  Injun  Sand  (no  “break’’) 1803  “ 1972 

Gordon  Sand  2537  “ 2548 


Since  tlie  Big  Injun  Sand  comes  at  about  1,300  feet  below 
the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  the  Gordon  Sand  at  2,030  feet  lielow  the 
same  coal  in  this  region,  the  vein  struck  at  700  feet  in  this  well 
would  belong  about  200  feet  under  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  hence 


be  identical  with  the  Elk  Lick  bed  of  the  Conemaugh  series. 


8.  Woodburn  Well,  No.  1. 
Indian  creek.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 530 

Cow  Run  Sand  973 

Salt  Sand  1115 

Big  Lime  1740 

Big  Injun  Sand  (light  gasser)  1836 

B.  F.  White  Well,  No.  1. 
Indian  creek.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  (second) 1040 

Salt  Sand  1150 

Big  Lime 1650 


Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1702';  oil,  1772'-92')  1702 
Total  depth  


Feet, 
to  534 
“ 993 

“ 1430 

“ 1836 

“ 1921 


Feet, 
to  1080 
“ 1250 

“ 1702 

“ 1800 
1800 


242 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (TYLER) 


Noah  Booher  Well. 


Indian  creek.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  (first)  

. 800 

to 

830 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 

,.1025 

i i 

1075 

Salt  Sand  

,.1150 

i 

1350 

Big  Lime 

.1622 

1 1 

1702 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1702  and  1775') . . . 

.1702 

1 < 

1869 

D.  Stonehing  Well. 

Indian  creek.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  

. 850 

to 

1000 

Big  Lime 

.1675 

( { 

1720 

‘‘Break”  

.1753 

( ( 

1763 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1763 

(( 

1856 

Gas,  strong 

'1725 

First  pay  

.1770 

(( 

1775 

Second  pay 

.1782 

i ( 

1792 

Bottom  

1856 

S.  C.  Murphy  Well,  No. 

1. 

One  mile  north  of  Booher  Postoffice,  on  Indian  creek.  Authority, 


Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal,  good  470  to  475 

Cow  Run  Sand 970  995 

Salt  Sand  1264  1464 

Maxton  Sand  1634  1641 

Big  Lime 1710  1777 

Big  Injun  Sand 1772  1867 

Allen  Well. 

Near  Braden  Station.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

First  Coal  (Washington)  35 

Second  Coal  (Waynesburg  ^‘A”)  100 

Big  Injun  Sand 1800  to  1915 


Fii’st  gas,  1830';  second  gas,  1905') 

Samuel  McMillan  Well,  No.  3. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  636 

Big  Injun  Sand 1985  to  2105 

Stray  Sand 2677  2682 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2698')  2682  2701 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


243 


Total  depth  2716 

Samuel  McMillan  Well,  No.  4. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  685 

Big  Injun  Sand  2015  to  2160 

Stray  Sand 2725  2744 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2753")  2745  2764 

Total  depth  2786 


Peter  Horner  Well,  No.  2. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  802 

Big  Injun  Sand 2114  to  2321 

Stray  Sand 2839  2854 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2864')  2859  2871 

Total  depth  2881 


Peter  Homier  Well,  No.  3. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal 910 

Big  Injun  Sand 2200  to  2400 

Stray  Sand 2938 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2967')  2965  2979 


Jacob  Underwood  Well,  No.  4. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  615 

Big  Injun  Sand 1935 

Total  depth  2130 


H.  8.  Underwood  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  630 

Big  Injun  Sand 1950  to  2125 

Stray  Sand  (smell  of  oil  at  2085') 2670  2687 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2090')  2087  2708 


244  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (TYLER) 

Thompson  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

McElroy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  665 

Big  Injun  Sand 2015  to  2180 

Stray  Sand 2734  2751 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2751')  2751  2760 

Total  depth  2782 

Thompson  Heirs’  Well,  No.  3. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  F,eet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  682 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2035')  1985  to  2140 

Stray  Sand 2680  2720 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2725') 2722  ''  2734 

Total  depth  2745 

0.  W.  0.  Hardman  Well,  No.  33. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  E.  H.  Jennings  & Bros. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  680 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand 1970 

First  oil  and  gas 2045 

^^Pay”  to  2055 

Bottom  2109 

0.  W.  0.  Hardman  Well,  No.  39. 

Tyler  county,  near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  E.  H. 
Jennings  & Bros. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  743 

Big  Injun  Sand 2033 

Top  of  ‘‘Pay^'  2150 

Good  Sand ' 2160 

Depth  of  hole  2192 

Six  and  five-eightlis-inch  casing 2020 

0 .W  .0.  Hardman  Well,  No.  47. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Autliority,  E.  11.  Jennings  & Bros. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  666 

Big  Injun,  top 1956 

Gas  and  oil  2058 

‘^Pay^’  Sand  to  2068 

Depth  of  hole 2089 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1920 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  245 

0.  W.  0.  Hardman  Well,  No.  48. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  E.  II.  Jennings  & Bros. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  795 

Top  Big  Injun  Sand  2085 

Gordon  Sand  ‘‘Pay’’  2872 

Good  Sand 2877 

Total  depth  ' 2889 

Ten-inch  easing  280 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  easing 1250 

Six  and  five-eighths-ineh  casing 2085 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  casing 2300 

0.  W.  0.  Hardman  Well,  No.  52. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authoeity,  E.  H.  Jennings  & Bros. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1020 

Top  Big  Injun  Sand  2320 

Gordon  Stray  Sand  3060 

Top  Gordon  Sand 3080 

Top  first  pay .^087 

Good  Sand  to  3092 

Through  Sand 3102V2 

Ten-inch  casing  270 

Eight  and  one-fourth-ineh  casing 1520 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 2430 

Five  and  thi-ee-sixteenths-inch  casing 2505 

R.  B.  Prickett  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  E.  H.  Jennings  & Bros. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Keener  Sand  1649 

Show  of  gas  and  oil 1671 

Gas  and  oil 1680 

Water  1690 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand 1691  , 

Best  Sand 1695  to  1705 

SaU  water  1752 

R.  B.  Prickett  Well,  No.  4. 

Near  Doddridge  county  line.  Authority,  E.  II.  Jennings  & Bros, 

Feet.  Feet. 

Top  of  Keener  Sand 1660 

“Pay’'  1675  to  1680 

Bottom  of  Keener  Sand 1683 

Slate  “break” 5 

Big  Injun  Sand 1688 

Bottom  of  hole 1692 


246 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  BEOORDS  (TYLER) 


Casing,  6^/4" 1580 

Norman  Arnett  Well,  No.  1. 

McElroy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  850 

Pig  Injun  Sand  (show  oil,  2256') 2160  to  2285 

Stray  Sand 2913  2926 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2948')  2941  2952 

Total  depth  2964 

F.  M.  Baker  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

McElroy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  680 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2083') 1970 

Total  depth  2097 

Alpheus  Glover  Well,  No.  1. 

Western  edge  of  Gordon  Sand  pool.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  885 

Big  Injun  Sand 2192  to  2330 

Stray  Sand  (oil,  2445') 2915  2945 

Gordon  Sand  2950 

Bottom  of  hole  2975 

Jas.  II.  Dawson  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal None 

Big  Injun  Sand 2300  to  2450 

Stray  Sand  3090  3105 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3120') 3120  3129 

Total  depth  3139 

Jas.  n.  Dawson  Well,  No.  2. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  780 

Big  Injun  Sand  (show  of  oil,  2150') 2070  to  2300 

Stray  Sand  2795  ''  2810 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2822')  2819  ''  2840 

Total  depth  2846 

Jasper  Lemasters  Well,  No.  6. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  941 


WEST  VIBaiNIA  aEOLOQIOAE  SUEVET 


247 


Big  Injun  Sand 2240  to  2360 

Stray  Sand 2979  3001 

Gordon  Sand  (gas  and  oil;  3005') 3003  3015 

Total  depth  3036 

F.  M.  Lemasters  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  South  Pemi  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  685 

Big  Injun  Sand  2010  to  2167 

Stray  Sand 2715  2731 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2735')  2731  2740 

Total  depth  2753 

F.  M.  Lemasters  Well,  No.  2. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal  647 

Big  Injun  Sand 1965  to  2130 

Stray  Sand 2690  2702 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2709')  2707  2724 

Total  depth  2728 

Mary  A.  Penick  Well  No.  5. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  989 

Big  Injun  Sand 2290  to  2460 

Stray  Sand  3010  3027 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3033')  3030  3050 

Total  depth 3056 

Jasper  N.  Glover  Well,  No.  2. 

Western  edge  of  Gordon  Sand  pool.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil 
Company. 

. Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  753 

Big  Injun  Sand 2058  to  2223 

Stray  Sand 2768  “ 2793 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2799') 2795  ''  2807 

Total  depth 2818 

Elijah  Myers  Well,  No.  6. 

McElroy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  946 

Big  Injun  Sand  (1st  ^‘pay,’'  2325';  2d 

‘‘pay,’’  2332')  2245 

Total  depth  2368 


248 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  llECORDS  (TYLER) 


Mary  A.  Stealy  Well,  No.  1. 

In  Middlebourne,  Ellsworth  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 


Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg?)  175  to  177 

Hurry  Up’’  Sand  (Pittsburg)  315  340 

Sand  870  900 

Big  Lime 1595  1635 

Keener  Sand  (small  show  gas) 1635  1645 

Top  Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1676  to  1683') . .1675 
Total  depth 1700 


J.  F.  King  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  north  of  Middlebourne,  Ellsworth  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal,*‘‘natiTo”  (Washington?)  . 

190 

to 

192 

Coal  (Macksburg?)  

382 

i 1 

384 

Hurry  Up”  Sand  (Pittsburg  sandstone)  545 

n 

585 

Big  Lime 

1809 

( ( 

1845 

Keener  Sand  

1846 

i ( 

1874 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1934';  water. 

1937').  1874 

Total  depth 

1945 

David  Hickman  Well,  No.  1. 

One  half  mile  north  of  Middlebourne,  Ellsworth  district.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 


Bottom  Big  Injun  Sand 1860 

Berea?  Sand 2080  to  2095 

Lime,  shell  2508 

Second  pay  (Gordon  Sand-)  2540 

Sand  2708 

Total  depth  2875 


William  Baker  'Well,  No.  1. 

On  Little  Sancho  creek,  near  Middlebourne.  Authority,  Carter 
Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal,  poor 

380 

to 

38'3 

Cave 

550 

( ( 

760 

Cow  Run  Sand 

820 

( 1 

835 

Salt  Sand  

920 

i < 

1340 

Maxton  Sand 

1509 

( ( 

1549 

Big  Lime 

1564 

a 

1612 

Keener  Sand  

1612 

ti 

1647 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1647 

n 

1775 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


24  y 


Tliis  is  a very  important  record,  since  it  reveals  the  presence 
of  tlie  Pitts4)ur^  coal,  althongh  quite  thin,  in  a region  where  it 
is  seldom  reported  by  the  drillers,  at  an  interval  of  440  feet  above 
the  Cow  Run  Sand,  1,129  feet  above  the  Maxton  Sand,  1,184  feet 
above  the  Big  Lime  1,232  feet  above  the  Keener  Sand,  1267  feet 
above  the  main  solid  body  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  and  1,405  feet 
above  the  base  of  the  same.  These  figures  can  be  used  to  great 
advantage  in  this  region  for  the  correlation  of  the  several  coal 
beds,  etc.  The  ‘‘Salt  Sand”  of  this  record  evidently  includes 
nearly  all  of  the  Allegheny  series. 

J.  G.  King  Well,  No.  3. 

Ellsworth  district,.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.)  . Feet.  Feet. 

Native  coal  (Washington)  208  to  210 

Coal  (Macksbnrg?)  395  397 

‘‘Hurry  Up”  Sand  (Pittsburg)  515  “ 540 

Big  Lime 1807  “ 1877 

Keener  Sand  (“pay,”  1894  to  1906') . . . .1877  “ 1910 

Big  Injun  Sand 1910 

Total  depth 1919 


J.  K.  Hill  Well,  No.  2. 

Elk  Pork  Pool,  near  Kidwell  Postoffice.  Authority,  Elk  Fork 
Oil  & Oas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Big  Injun  Sand 1927  to  1934 

First  pay 1934 

Casing— 10",  115';  81/4",  1070';  0%",  1821'. 

J.  K.  Hill  Well,  No.  4. 


Feet. 

Big  Injun  Sand 1954 

First  “pay”  1957 

J.  K.  Hill  Well,  No.  11. 

^ Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Bakerstown?)  1100  to  1110 

Cow  Run  Sand 1225  “ 1325 

Maxton  Sand  1820  “ 1830 

Big  Lime 1868  “ 1958 

“Break”  above  Big  Injun  Sand 1958  “ 1998 

‘ ‘ Dry.  ’ ' 

J.  T.  A.  Hawkins  Well,  No.  9. 


Elk  Pork  Pool,  near  Kidwell  Postoffice.  Authority,  Elk  Fork 
Oil  Company. 


250 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECORDS  TYLER) 


1 1!  Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Rim  Sand 930  to  955 

Salt  Sand  1200  “ 1375 

Big  Lime 1667  1727 

Big  Injun  Sand 1727 

^‘Pay’^  1735 

Near  Conaway,  in  tlie  region  northeast  from  the  “Big 
Moses”  gas  well  in  Tyler  county  (an  account  of  which  has  been 
given  in  Vol.  I,  page  358)  some  other  very  large  gas  wells  have 
been  found  in  the  Big  Injun  Sand.  One  of  these  on  the 
Catherine  Ilaught  farm  was  drilled  by  the  Carnegie  Natural  Gas 
Company,  the  record  of  which  was  kindly  given  by  Mr.  N.  John- 
ston, Superintendent  of  that  company,  as  follows : 

Catharine  Ilaught  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand *. . . . .1920 

Gas  at 1998 

Total  depth  2000 

First  minute  x^ressure  300  pounds. 

Second  minute  pressure 435  pounds. 

Rock  pressure  560  pounds. 


“Stood  at  six  pounds.  “Open  pressure”  in  eight-inch  casing. 
Cajiacity,  18,000,000  cubic  feet  daily.’’ 

J.  G.  Mayfield  Well,  No.  1. 

Ellsworth  district.  Authority,  Union  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  612 

White  Lime  (Big)  1805  to  1880 

White  Sand  (Big  Injun)  1905 

Gas  at  1963 

Israel  Folger  Well,  No.  1. 

Elk  Fork  pool.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal None 

Big  Injun  Sand,  top 1918 

Oil  1926 

M.  M.  Holmes  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  district.  Authority,  Union  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Ten-inch  casing 180 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 985 

Six  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1380 

Keener  Sand  (oil  and  gas,  1675  to 

16801/2')  1675  to  1699 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


251 


J.  L.  Ash  Well,  No.  1. 

Oiie-lialf  niilo  south  of  Wilbur.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Compnay. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal,  poor 50  to  52 

Cave  red”)  765  980 

Cow  Rim  Sand 980  995 

Salt  Sand  1200  1245 

Salt  Sand  1480  1515 

Maxton  Sand  1610 

Big  Lime 1765  1852 

Big  Injnn  Sand 1854  1940 

Slate  1924  1934 

Slate  to  bottom  1965  1972 

The  coal  near  the  top  of  this  well  may  possibly  be  the  Wash- 
ington bed,  since  the  Pittsburg  bed  should  occur  at  about  540 
feet  in  the  well. 

Chapman  Well,  No.  1. 

Elk  Fork  pool.  Authority,  Sun  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Coal 242 

Coal  (Waynesburg  ‘‘A”)  361 

Coal  (Waynesburg)  425 

Maxton  Sand,  gas 1910 

Keener  Sand  2045 

Top  of  ‘‘pay”  (Big  Injnn)  2130 

Bottom  of  hole  2150 

Bum  fill  Well,  No.  1. 

Elk  Fork  pool.  Authority,  Sun  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg)  265 

Big  Injun  Sand  1735  to  1747 

Bumfill  Well,  No.  2. 

Elk  Fork  pool.  Authority,  Sun  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg)  240 

Top  Keener 1700 

Bumfill  Well,  No.  3. 

Elk  Fork  pool.  Authority,  Sun  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Ten-inch  casing 310 

Eight-inch  casing 900 

Six-inch  casing 1710 

Coal  (Macksburg)  ; 310 

Keener  Sand,  top 1770 


252 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (TYLER) 


Top  of  ‘‘Pay’ ^ Sand 1794 

Bumfill  Well,  No.  4. 

Kidwell.  Elk  Fork  pool.  Authority,  Sun  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg)  200 

Keener  Sand  1C84  to  1701 

Total  depth 1701 

John  Seckman  Well,  No.  2. 

About  two  miles  southeast  of  Centerville,  McElroy  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet, 

Pittsbnrg  Coal 533  to  535 

Cow  Run  Sand 933  “ 985 

Salt  Sand  1230  “ 1280 

Maxton  Sand 1750  “ 1770 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1930')  1848 

Total  depth  1961 

‘ ‘ Fifty-barrel  well.  ’ ’ 


n.  TF.  Ash  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  south  of  Centerville,  Middle  Island  creek.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Washington?)  

95 

to 

99 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1000 

( ( 

1020 

Salt  Sand  

1200 

n 

1400 

Big  Lime 

1900 

( e 

1940 

“Break”  

1940 

n 

1970 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2050') 

1970 

A.  L.  Corhly  Well,  No.  1. 


Near  Centerville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. . 950 

to 

965 

Salt  Sand  

..1050 

i ( 

1110 

Maxton  Sand  

..1540 

iC 

1620 

Big  Lime 

. .1690 

u 

1760 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1787';  oil,  1810'). 

..1767 

1 ( 

1832 

Leroy  IHerpoint  Well,  No.  2. 


Centerville  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  815 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil  and  water,  2198') . . . .2149  to  2202 

Leroy  Pierpoint  Well,  No.  1. 

Centerville  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


253 


T’eet.  Feet. 

Pittsbnrgf  Coal  cSOO 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2102') 2138  to  2199 

J.  W.  Miisgrave  ell,  No.  1. 

One  mile  north  of  IMcKim  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  None 

. Cow  Run  Sand 1154  to  1174 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1480')  1420  ‘‘  1810 

Maxton  Sand  1998  2048 

Big  Lime 2074  2130 

Keener  Sand  2138  2170 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2170';  oil,  2190').. 2170  2220 

(Two  hundred-barrel  well.) 

F.  T.  McCullough  Well,  No.  3. 

One-half  mile  north  of  McKim  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg)  543 

Cave  920  to  970 

Cow  Run  Sand 1085  1100 

Salt  Sand  1460  1665 

Maxton  Sand  1815  ''  1830 

Limestone  (hard)  1965  2035 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  2083') 2035  2083 

‘ ‘ Twenty-barrel  well.  ’ ’ 

J.  J.  Gorrell  Well,  No.  1. 

Four  miles  northeast  of  Meadville,  and  one  mile  northwest  of 
Bert  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal,  poor 450  to  453 

Cave  465  765 

Cow  Run  Sand 765  800 

Salt  Sand  1065  ''  1365 

Cave,  water,  1645' 1635  1655 

Big  Lime  1660  1731 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  light,  1793')  1763  1863 

F.  A.  Markle  Well,  No.  1. 

Vicinity  of  Beech  Grove.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Washington?)  115  to  117 

Cow  Run  Sand 950  965 

Salt  Sand  1142  ''  1530 

Maxton  Sand  1630  1710 


254  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOEDS  (TYLER) 

Big  Lime 1725  1825 

Big  Injun  Sand 1825  1980 

Total  depth 2002 

J.  0.  Smith  Well,  No.  9. 

Plum  Run  Region.  Authority,  Victor  Oil  & Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 1050  to  1068 

Salt  Sand  1200  1550 

Big  Lime 1860 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1962';  oil,  1965') . . .1917  ''  1984 

W.  W.  Joseph  Well,  No.  1. 

Plum  Run  Region.  Authority,  Devonian  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  930 

Salt-Sand 1100 

Big  Lime  1650 

Big  Injun  Sand 1750 

Little  gas,  1800  feet. 

Bottom  of  well  1910 

J.  G.  Smith  Well,  No.  6. 

Plum  Run  Region.  Authority,  Victor  Oil  & Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  (show  of  oil)  1077  to  1095 

Salt  Sand  1260  1610 

Big  Lime 1872  ''  1973 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2013';  oil,  2020') . . .1973  2023 

Ten-inch  casing  225 

Eight-inch  casing  1125 

Six  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1872 

Bullman  Well,  No.  5. 

Near  Wick.  Authority,  Crawford  & Wilson. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Salt  Sand  1220 

Big  Lime 1796 

“Break’’  1894  to  1902 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil  and  gas,  1932') 1902  “ 1932 

Felix  Flesher  Well,  No.  3. 

Near  Wick.  Authority,  Crawford  & Wilson. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 955 

Salt  Sand  1100 

Big  Lime 1672 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  and  oil,  1777') 1757  to  1777 

Ten-inch  casing 155 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 960 


WEST  VIllCxINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUREVY 


255 


Six  and  one-fourtli-inch  casing 1445 

V.  T.  Freeland  Well,  No.  1. 

Sancho  cre«k.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Show  Pittsburg  Coal 460 

Salt  Sand 950  to  1153 

Big  Lime 1595  1731 

Break’’  1731  1741 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1780')  1741  1836 

U.  T.  Freeland  Well,  No.  2. 

Sancho  creek.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 920  to  940 

Salt  Sand  1240  1340 

Big  Lime 1672  1772 

Big  Injun  Sand 1772  1870 

‘^Dry.” 


E.  C.  Freeland  Well,  No.  2. 
Sancho  creek.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg?)  

,...300 

Cow  Run  Sand  

..  900 

to 

940 

Salt  Sand  

..1100 

i { 

1200 

Big  Lime 

..1640 

( i 

1740 

^ ‘Break”  

. .1740 

( ( 

1750 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1800';  oil,  1810') . 

..1750 

( ( 

1848 

Clark  Smith  Well,  No.  1. 


Middle  Island  creek,  near  Tyler-ldeasants  county  line.  Author- 
ity, Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

First  Coal  (Pittsburg)  

300 

to 

303 

Second  Coal  

360 

( ( 

365 

Cow  Run  Sand 

765 

(( 

795 

Salt  Sand,  broken. 

Big  Lime 

1470 

( i 

1575 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1575 

( 1 

1643 

A.  F.  Allen  Well,  No.  1. 


Middle  Island  creek,  same  location  as  last.  Authority,  Carter 
Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 


Coal  (Macksburg?)  133  to  137 

Cow  Run  Sand 800  840 

Big  Lime  and  Keener  Sands 1490  1566 

Break”  (slate)  1560  1586 


256 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  cTYLER) 


Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1586';  oil,  1606') . . .1586  1630 

Hardman  & Livingston  Well,  No.  5. 

Southwest  corner  of  Tyler,  near  Hebron  Postoffice.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Coal  (Macksbnrg?)  435  to  437 

Cow  Run  Sand 1100  1120 

Salt  Sand,  broken 

Big  Lime 1825 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil  and  gas  in  top) 1942  1995 


Iri.  B.  Livingston  Well,  No.  3. 

Plum  run  of  McKim  creek,  near  Hebron,  southwest  corner  of 
Tyler  county.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg?)  500 

Cow  Run  Sand 1150  to  1190 

Salt  Sand  1250  1450 

Big  Lime 1900  1960 

‘ ‘ Break. 

Big  Injun  Sand 1983  2046 

B.  F.  Robinson  Well,  No.  1. 

About  two  miles  east  of  Falls  Mills,  Middle  Island  creek.  Author- 
ity, Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg)  

362 

to 

365 

Cow  Run  Sand 

862 

( ( 

872 

Salt  Sand  

1122 

1 1 

1422 

Maxton  Sand  

1512 

it 

1562 

Big  Lime 

1690 

i ( 

1765 

,Big  Injun  Sand 

1800 

(( 

1910 

Total  depth 

1926 

B.  F.  Robinson  Well, 

No.  2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

700 

to 

703 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1060 

( 1 

1075 

Salt  Sand  

1250 

1 ( 

1550 

Maxton  Sand 

1825 

({ 

1845 

Big  Lime 

i 1 

1910 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1937 

a 

2057 

The  records  of  these  wells  on  the  B.  F.  Robinson  tract  are  of 
very  great  geologic  interest  and  importance,  since  they  reveal 
the  interval  (1,234  feet)  between  the  Pittsburg  coal  and  the  main 
Big  Injun  oil  sand,  and  also  show  that  the  coal  found  at  362 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


257 


feet  in  the  No.  1 W(‘ll,  is  not  the  Pittsburg  bed  (as  usally  termed 
by  the  drillers  of  the  region),  but  that  it  belongs  appi’oximately 
. 200  feet  above  the  Pittsburg  bed,  and  is  prol)ably  identical  with 
the  JVIacksburg  coal  of  Ohio,  or  the  Uniontown  coal  of  the  Monon- 
galiela  formation.  This  coal  appears  to  have  a wide  distribution 
in  Tyler,  Ideasants,  Doddridge,  etc.,  and  may  possibly  be  identi- 
cal with  the  coal  mined  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Marys,  immediately 
under  a great  ledge  of  sandstone,  and  which  is  identical  with  the 
Macksburg  coal  of  Ohio.  This  bed  has  been  referred  by  the  Ohio 
geologists  to  the  Sewickley  horizon  of  the  Monongahela  forma- 
tion, but  it  may  possibly  represent  the  Uniontown  coal  of  the 
latter  series,  since  its  interval  (200  feet)  above  the  Pittsburg 
coal  would  appear  to  be  too  great  for  the  Sewickley  seam. 

Elias  Wells  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  south  of  B.  F.  Robinson’s  and  one  mile  north  of  Mead- 
ville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cave  

600 

to 

750 

Cow  Kim  Sand 

900 

( ( 

1000 

Salt  Sand  

1200 

i i 

1400 

Maxton  Sand 

1590 

( ( 

1605 

I>ig  Lime 

1665 

( ( 

1718 

Keener  Sand  

171S 

i ( 

1760 

Depth  

1762 

Wells  Well,  No.  8. 

1 / ' 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Macksburg?) 

480 

to 

484 

Cow  Kim  Sand 

1055 

i ( 

1050 

Salt  Sand  

1240 

( i 

1540 

Maxton  Sand  

1680 

( ( 

1720 

Hig  Tihnj^ 

1799 

i i 

1859 

Keener  Sand  

1859 

( i 

1889 

Dig  In  jiin  Sand  . . . . 

1889 

( ( 

1989 

An  oil  well  has  r'ecmitly  bc'en  drilled  by  the  Carhu-  Oil  Com- 
pany, two  miles  so\ith  of  Wick  Postofhc(‘,  th«  record  of  which  was 
kept  with  grc'at  care  by  the  drilling  crew,  and  a set  of  the  sani- 
ph's  was  kindly  presented  to  the  Surwey  by  Mr.  W.  II.  Asj)inwall 
of  the  Carter  Oil  Company.  Tlu^  W(*ll  begins  in  the  Permian,  and 
found  })etrol(‘um  in  the  “Big«lnjun”  Sand,  so  that  it  penetrated 
nearly  all  of  th.e  carboniferous  system.  The  record  is  a very  in- 


2nH 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  ^ TYLER) 


teresting  and  important  one,  and  is  here  given  in  full  as  follows 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Soil  and  clay 

0 

to 

5 

Red  rock 

5 

(( 

55 

Brown  shale  

55 

( 1 

67 

Red  rock  

67 

( ( 

90 

Sandstone  

90 

1 i 

150’ 

Green  slate 

150 

1 1 

160 

Sandstone,  hard  

160 

( c 

180 

Dark  gray  slate 

180 

i{ 

192 

Sandstone  

192 

( i 

230 

Sandstone  

( ( 

Green  slate  

230 

( ( 

234 

Red  rock  

234 

( i 

280 

Sandstone,  hard  

280 

( ( 

295 

Slate  

295 

1 ( 

305 

Slate,  trace  of  coal  at  315' 

305 

i ( 

325 

Sandstone,  micaceous 

325 

ii 

410 

Red  rock  

410 

i ( 

425 

Limestone  

425 

n 

450 

Slate  

450 

i c 

452 

Red  rock  

452 

( ( 

472 

Sandstone,  gray,  coaree  

472 

(( 

502 

Black  slate,  trace  of  coal  at  506' 

(Union- 

town?)  

502 

( ( 

510 

White  slate  

510 

1 i 

530 

Sandstone  

530 

( ( 

540 

White  slate  

540 

( ( 

542 

Red  rock  

542 

( i 

557 

Slate  (10-inch  easing,  557  feet)  . . 

.......  557 

ii 

597 

Limestone  

597 

1 ( 

629 

Slate  

629 

1 1 

635 

Lime  and  sand  shells  

635 

1 1 

690 

Sandstone  

690 

i ( 

700 

Slate  

700 

{ ( 

710 

Limestone  

710 

1 i 

730 

Limestone  

730 

i i 

742 

Sandstone  

742 

( ( 

759 

Pittsburg  Coal? 

759 

( { 

760 

Sandstone  

760 

( ( 

800 

Sandstone  

800 

i i 

806 

Lime  and  sand  shells 

806 

( i 

856 

Limestone,  sandy  

856 

( ( 

881 

Sandstone  

881 

( ( 

893 

Black  slate,  trace  of  coal 

893 

( ( 

908 

Red  rock  Big  Red” 

908 

i 1 

960 

Limestone,  sandy  

960 

i 1 

990 

Coarse  sand,  steel  line 

990 

i ( 

1030 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  259 

Bhick  slate  1030  104G 

Limestone,  sandy  1040  “ 1052 

Red  rock  1052  1058 

Limestone  and  limy  shales  1058  1140 

Limestone  1140  “ 1161 

Slate  1161  ‘‘  1200 

Sandstone,  hard  1200  1212 

Shale  1212  1237 

Sandstone  1237  1247 

Sandstone  1247  1253 

Limestone,  hard 1253  “ 1288 

^ ‘ Break, soft 1288  1293 

Limestone,  hard 1293  ‘‘  1299 

Freeport  sandstone  (8"  casing,  1310')  ...1299  1434 

Break’’  of  black  slate,  trace  of  coal  at 

1464' 1434  1464 

Salt  Sand,  Pottsville,  water  at  1550' 1464  1666 

Black  slate  1666  1752 

Sandstone  1752  1764 

Black  slate  (6%"  casing,  1776') 1764  1776 

Black  grit,  very  hard  and  wore  hits 1776  “ 1826 

Shells 1826  1836 

Maxtor!  Sand  1836  1891 

Black  lime  rock 1891  1910 

Limestone,  ‘‘Big  Lime”  1910  “ 1976 

“Keener”  »and  ,.. 1976  “ 2008 

Big  Injun  Sand  (Steel  line,  little  gas) . . . .2008  “ 2095 

Gas  at  2018',  oil  hy  steel  line,  2029'. 

Total  depth,  steel  line  2101 

J.  L.  Poe  Well,  No.  9. 

Two  miles  south  of  Wick.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Macksbnrg'?)  660  to  663 

Cave  900 

Cow  Run  Sand 1224  “ 1254 

Depth  1254 

Dorsey  Baker  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Ritchie  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  985 

Big  Injun  Sand 2280  “ 2420 

' Sti-ay  Sand  2978  “ 3008 

Gordon  Sand  3008  “ 3040 

First  “pay”  3012 

Second  “pay” 3035 

Total  depth  3049 


2(50 


OIL  AND  GAS  V/ELL  KECOKDS  (TYLER) 


Catharine  Jo')ies  Well,  No.  1. 

McKini  creek,  Meade  district.  Antliority,  South  Peuii  Oil  Coin 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Red  rt)ck 

....  740 

to 

820 

Slate  

....  820 

( 1 

860 

Red  rock  . . . . 

....  860 

( i 

980 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. .. .1000 

( i 

1010 

Salt  Sand  

. . . .1380 

i c 

1500 

Slate,  soft  

....1500 

i i 

1505 

Slate,  liurd  

. . . .1505 

( ( 

1600 

Keener  Sand  (oil,  1782') 

....1768 

( ( 

1792 

Slate  

. . . .1792 

i ( 

1804 

Bii>’  Injun  Sand  (*poor,  no  oil  or  gas) . 

. . . .1804 

( i 

1890 

Catharine  Jones  Well, 

No.  4. 

Meade  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Slate  

....  16 

to 

116 

Sand  / 

....  116 

i ( 

141 

Slate  

....  141 

i ( 

191 

Red  rock  

....  191 

i i 

211 

Slate  

....  211 

i i 

236 

Lime  

....  2.36 

( ( 

256 

Red  rock  

....  256 

( ( 

306 

Sand  

....  300 

( ( 

356 

Slate  

....  356 

( i 

406 

Red  rock  

... . 406 

( c 

481 

Lime  

....  481 

( i 

491 

Slate  

....  491 

( ( 

641 

Sand  

....  641 

( ( 

701 

Slate  

....  701 

( ( 

801 

Sand  

....  801 

i ( 

851 

Red  rock  

....  851 

i ( 

876 

Slate  

....  876 

i i 

896 

Sand  

....  896 

( i 

916 

Big  slate  cave  

....  916 

( ( 

956 

White  slate  

....  956 

( (, 

966 

Slate  

....  966 

( i 

1010 

Sand  

....1016 

i ( 

1216 

Slate  

.. . .1216 

( ( 

1251 

Salt  Sand  

. . ..1251 

i ( 

1401 

Slate  

. . . .1401 

( ( 

1451 

Sand  

. . . .1451 

i ( 

1551 

Slate  

( i 

1571 

Sand  

. . . .1571 

( ( 

1617 

Sand  

....1617 

i i 

1 667 

Sand  . . . ' 

....1667 

i i 

1717 

i^NVEST  VIltGlNlA  GEOliOGTOAE  SUKVKY  201 

Slate  1717  1727 

nii>'  Lime .1727  1/87 

Keener  Sainl  1787  1797 

Lime  1797  1810 

Li.o'  Injun  Sami  (oil,  1828') 1810  1858 

l^ilas  Henderson  Well^  No.  8. 

Meade  district.  Autliority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company.  ^ 

Feet.  Feet. 

Sand  8 to  48 

Lime  and  slate 48  ‘‘  548 

Red  rock  548  848 

Cow  Run  Sand 848  852 

Slate  857  872 

Sand  and  slate 872  1220 

Slate  1220  1412 

Salt  Sand  1412  1442 

Slate  1442  1502 

Cairo  Sand  (Maxton)  1502  “ 1503 

I%Lime 1563  1018 

Keener  Sand  1(518  1036 

Bin'  Injnn  Sand  (gas,  1055';  oil,  1005') ..  .1(545  1704 

Isaac  Hawkins  Well,  No.  1. 

TTehron  nrgioii.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 

* Feet. 

To])  Sand  (Big  Injnn)  1800 

(las  .^. 1800 

Salt  water  1805 

Total  de])tl’  1887 

Ten-incli  casing  100 

Liglit-incli  casing  1050 

Six  and  Ove-eiglitlis-incli  casing ....1740 

Isaac  Hawkins  Well,  No.  2. 

]|(d>ron  r(‘gioit.  Autlioi'ity,  B'isher  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Top  ot  Sand  (Big  Injnn)  2004 

Cas  '. 2007 

Oil  2078  to  2085 

llenihorne  Well,  No.  2. 

Hebron  ?-egion.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

To|)  of  Sand  (B)ig  Injnn)  1890 

Oil,  20  barrels  p(*r  hour,  at 1894  t/)  1900 

Total  depth 1912 


‘2G2  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (TYLER) 

Barker  Well,  No.  1. 

Hebron  region.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Cow  Run  Sand 1010  to  1028 

Top  of  Sand  (Big  Injun) 1882 

Top  of  pay” 1926 

Bottom  of  pay  and  hole 1942 


J.  S.  Buck  Well,  No.  1. 

Four  miles  east  of  Sistersville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 


pany. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Cave  600  to  900 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1200') 950  1250 

Big  Lime ,.1553  1629 


Keener  Sand  (gas,  1628'  and  1640') 1628  1644 

‘‘Good  gas  well.” 

Tom  Smith  Well,  No.  1. 

Sisteisville  region.  Authority,  Crawford  & Wilson. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Cow  Run  Sand 1000  to  1018 

Salt  Sand  1400  “ 1500 

Big  Lime 1800  “ 1900 

Big  Injun  Sand  (strong  gas,  1940') 1903  “ 1945 

Ten-inch  casing 200 

Eight-inch  casing  1130 

Six  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1800 


Thistle  Well,  No.  5.  (Gillespie.) 
Sistersville  field.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Cow  Run  Sand  . . . ’. 1025 

Salt  Sand  1090 

Big  Lime 1415 


Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1827'  and  1857') . . . .1777  to  1878 

Diinfee  Well,  No.  14. 

Upper  part  of  Sistersville  held.  Authority,  L.  J.  Brenneman. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

C'oal  (Washington)  

150 

to 

154 

Cow  Run  Sand  

900 

< < 

920 

Salt  Sand  

1120 

i ( 

1380 

Big  Lime 

1666 

( i 

1726 

“Break”  

1726 

1 < 

1746 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1746 

( ( 

1848 

Diy. 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUltVEY 


263 


J.  Russell  Well,  No.  34. 


Upper  part  of  Sistersville  fieJd.  Authority,  L. 

J.  Brenneman. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 885 

to 

925 

Salt  Sand  

.1083 

< i 

1283  , 1 

Big  Lime  

.1587 

1 ( 

1657  i 

‘‘Break’’  

.1677 

1 ( 

1687 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1690'  and  1730') . . . 

.1687 

< ( 

1790  ; 

Anschutz  Well,  No.  1. 

1 

Sistersville  region.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet.  J 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 880 

Salt  Sand  

.1000 

Big  Lime 

.1550 

to 

1641  j 

“Break”  

.1641 

( ( 

1653  ; 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1653 

i ( 

1728  i 

First  “pay”  

.1655 

( ( 

1667 

Second  “pav” 

.1677 

i ( 

1687 

Keener  Heirs’  Well,  No.  23. 

Lower  part  of  Sistersville  field.  Authority, 

Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

.1000 

to 

1050 

Salt  Sand  

.1150 

i i 

1300 

Big  Lime 

.1700 

i i 

1740 

Keener  Sand  

.1740 

i ( 

1770 

“Break”  (slate)  

.1770 

( i 

1785 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1787 

( ( 

1865 

First  ‘ ‘ pay  ” 

.1805 

( i 

1815  » 

Second  “pay” 

.1835 

( i 

1850 

F.  R.  Wells  Well,  No.  41. 

Lower  part  of  Sistersville  field.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 

1 Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 900 

Salt  Sand  

.1000 

Big  Lime 

.1650  (?) 

Break  

to 

1676 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1681'  and  1721') . . . 

.1676 

( ( 

1750 

Sarak  A.  Holmes  Well,  No.  8. 

Lower  part  of  Sistersville  field.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 
About  one  mile  from  Ohio  river. 


Feet.  Feet. 
.1060  to  1080 
.1200  “ 1300 


Cow  Run  Sand 
Salt  Sand  .... 


204 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (TYLER) 


1840 

1880 

1970 


Rig'  Lime 1760 

‘‘Break”  (slate)  1870  “ 


Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1890'  and  1920') . . . .1880  “ 

John  A.  Davenport  Well,  No.  4. 

Lower  part  of  Sistersville  field.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Cow  Run  Sand 810 

Salt  Sand  1000 

Big  Lime  1490 

Break  1575 


Ihg  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1602'  and  1632') . . . .1597  to  1704 

Russell  Welly  No.  1. 

Sistersville  region.  Authority,  Bettman,  Watson  & Company. 


i Feet. 

Sand  (Big  Injun)  at 1755 

Oil  at  17591/2 'and 1776 

Bottom  of  well  1802 

Ten-inch  casing  275 

Seven  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 920 

Five  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1120 

Earhi  Well,  No.  1. 

Sistersville  region.  Authority,  Bettman,  Watson  & Company. 

Feet. 


Gas  at 

Top  of  Sand  (Big  Injnn)  

Second  ‘ ‘ pay  ” 

Finished  drilling  at ' 

Rarr  Well,  No.  1. 

Sistersville  field.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Keener  Sand,  toj) 1762  to 

Big  Injun  Sand  1806  “ 


Morris  Well,  No.  2. 

Sistersville  field.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 


1235 

1732 

1750 

1759 


Feet. 

1780 

1842 


Feet. 

Ten-inch  casing  233 

Phght  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 890 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1380 

Keener  Sand,  top 1618 

Bottom  of  Keener  Sand  1()40 

Top  Injun 1670 

Water' 1680 

First  pay  1700 

Second  pay  1715 

Bottom  1727 


WKST  VTIUJTNIA  OEOLOaiCAL  STTKVF.Y 


2r,5 

Davenport  Well,  No.  1. 

Sistoi*svill(‘  fi('l(l.  Authority,  Fislioi*  Oil  Omipuny. 

Feet. 

First  ‘ ‘ ])ay  ’ ’ ( th<>'  1 nj iin ) 

Se('on(l  “pay”  (thi’-  Injun)  ir)<)5 

Boltoin  of  well  11550 

Davenport  Well,  No.  5. 

Sistorsville  field.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Fio’ht  and  one-fonrth-inch  casin£>: 74S 

Six  and  one-fonrth-ineli  casing 1247 

First  “pay”  (Rig  Injun)...'. 1582 

Bottom  of  well  1639 

Wells  Island  Well,  No.  9. 

Sistersville  field.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Sand  1366 

First  oil  1376 

Second  oil  1396 

Bottom  of  well  1432^2 

Ten-inch  casing 42 

Fight  and  om‘-fonitli-inch  casing •.  . J70 

Six  and  one-fourtli-inch  casing 985 

Wells  Island  Well,  No.  10. 

Sistersville  field.  Autliority,  Fislnu'  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Big  Injnn  Sand 1365 

First  oil  1380 

Bottom  of  well  1430 

Ten-inch  casing 50 

Fight  and  one-i'ouii h-incli  casing 170 

Six  and  one-fonrth-incli  casing 1002 

Wells  Island  Well,  No.  11. 

Si.st(‘rsvill(!  held.*  Authority,  Fislnu*  Oil  Company. 

P^eet. 

Sand  (Big  Injnn)  136(5 

First  oil' 1381 

Bottom  of  w(01  1431 

Ten-inch  casing  50 

Fight  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing 1(50 

Six  and  oiu'-fourl h-inch  casing 980 

Low  wat(‘r  in  th(‘  Ohio  idvoi*  is  about  25  to  30  fe(‘t  Ixdow  the 
general  lev(4  of  Wells  Island,  and  the  lO-ineh  casing  in  tln^se 
records  marks  the  de])th  to  bed  rock.  The  Jdttsbnrg  coal  is 


200 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOliDS  (TYLER) 


seldom  rei)orted  in  the  wells  drilled  at  Sistersville,  but  the 
Carter  Oil  Company  reports  it  from  its  Mehrley  well,  No.  10,  on 
the  Ohio  side  of  the  river,  opposite  Sistersville,  as  follows : 


Mehrley  Well,  No. 

10. 

' 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Unre.corcled  

175 

to 

175 

Coal  (Washington)  

3 

i ( 

178 

Unrecorded 

407 

( i 

585 

Coal,  Pittsburg  

5 

1 1 

590 

Unrecorded  

430 

1 ( 

1020 

“Cow  Run”  Sand 

50 

( ( 

1070 

Unrecorded  

55 

1 ( 

1125 

Sand,  Freeport  

150 

( ( 

1275 

Unrecorded  (contains  “Salt  Sand”) 

365 

( ( 

1640 

“Big  Lime”  (Mountain)  

97 

( ( 

1737 

“Big  Injun”  “break”  (“Keener”)  Sand 

15;  Sand  (oil  1st  “pay,”  1757, 

, 63) 

78 

( ( 

1815 

This  shows  an  interval  of  1,147  feet  between  the  Pittsburg 
coal  and  the  ‘‘Keener”  horizon  of  the  “Big  Injun”  Sand,  or 
1,162  feet  to  what  is  known  as  the  “Injun”  proper  in  the  Sisters- 
ville region,  thus  showing  a thinning  of  71  feet  in  this  interval 
between  the  Pittsburg  coal  and  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  in  the  eight 
miles  from  Falls  Mills  (B.  F.  Robinson  Well,  No.  2)  northwest 
to  Sistersville. 

W.  A.  Beagle  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  and  one-half  miles  east  of  Long  Reach. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cave  

600 

to 

760 

Cow  Run  Sand 

822 

( ( 

852 

Salt  Sand  

1100 

i ( 

1230 

Maxton  Sand  

1476 

i ( 

1493 

Big  Lime 

1500 

i ( 

1565 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1505 

( ( 

1675 

Dr.  J . L.  Thistle  Well,  No.  8. 

About  three  miles  east  of  Friendly.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

410 

to 

416 

Cave  

500 

Cow  Run  Sand 

875 

( ( 

883 

Salt  Sand  

970 

i ( 

1255 

Maxton  Sand  

1425 

( ( 

1435 

WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


267 


Big  Lime  

1523 

< i 

1568 

Keener  Sand  

15G8 

i i 

1620 

Jh\  J.  L.  Thistle 

Well  No.  9. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

505 

to 

510 

Cave  

585 

CoAv  Run  Sand 

935 

Salt  Sand  

1065 

< < 

1410 

Maxton  Sand  

1520 

( ( 

1532 

Big  Lime 

1600 

( ( 

1640 

Keener  Sand  

1644 

( i 

1698 

Dr.  J.  L.  Thistle 

Well,  No.  10. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal?  

580 

Cow  Run  Sand 

930 

to 

948 

Salt  Sand  

1250 

< c 

1365 

Maxton  Sand 

1455 

i i 

1540 

Big  Lime 

1600 

i i 

1673 

Keener  Sand  

1673 

i ( 

1704 

‘'In  Thistle  wells  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6 and  7 no  coal  noted; 
other  strata  about  same.” 

Here  we  see  in  these  records,  the  patchy  nature  of  the  Pitts- 
burg coal  over  a large  portion  of  Tyler  county  and  the  region 
to  the  southwest  from  it.  For  instance,  in  the  first  seven  wells 
on  Dr.  J.  ]j.  Thistle’s  farm  the  coal  was  too  thin  to  attract  notice, 
while  in  Nos.  8 and  9 a fair  thickness  is  reported  at  1,134  to 
1,152  feet  above  the  top  of  the  “Keener”  Sand  horizon  of  the 
“Big  Injun,”  as  against  1,147  feet  for  the  same  interval  at 
Sistersville  (Mehrley  well,  No.  10).  The  sand  called  “Cow 
Run”  in  these  records  is  not  the  First  Cow  Run  of  Ohio,  but  the 
Dunkard  Sand  of  Clreene  county.  Pa.,  while  the  true  Second 
Cow  Run  Sand  of  Ohio  belongs  150  to  200  feet  below  the 
Dunkard  Sand  or  400  to  500  feet  below  the  First  Cow  Run  Sand 
(Saltzburg). 

A.  If.  Wells  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Conductor  

Feet. 

Feet. 

48 

Cow  Run  Sand 

745 

to 

751 

Salt  Sand  

1000 

( ( 

1260 

Big  Lime 

1515 

( ( 

1590 

OIL  ANT)  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS  (PLEASANTS) 


1645 

1743 

1743 


Kecnor  Sand  1590 

Injiin  Sand  1()45 

Total  depth 


A.  lleinzman  Well,  No.  1. 

Jjiiieoiii  district,  hetweeii  Parsley  and  Kidwell.  Authority,  Car- 
ter Oil  Company. 


Eeet. 

Eeet. 

Ihttsbui'g  Coal  

470 

Cave  

700 

Cow  Bun  Sand 

9G0 

to 

980 

Salt  Sand  

1016 

( ( 

151i) 

Max  ton  Sand  

1530 

( ( 

1550 

Big  Lime 

( 1 

1647 

Big  Injun  Sand  

1669 

i 1 

1747 

The  lleinzman  well  is  located  about  half-way  between  Mid- 
dlebourne  and  Sistersville,  and  reveals  an  interval  of  1,199  feet 
between  the  Ihttsburg  coal  and  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  as  against 
1,162  feet  for  this  same  interval  in  the  Mehrley  well.  No.  10,  at 
Sistersville,  and  1,267  f(‘et  in  the  Win.  Baker  well.  No.  1,  near 
Middlebourne,  and  1,300  feet  at  the  eastern  line  of  Tyler,  thus 
revealing  a total  decrease  in  this  interval  of  138  feet  in  passing 
fi'om  Alvy  N.  60°  W.,  17y2  miles  to  Sistersville,  or  say  8^3  ^oet 
to  the  mile. 

PLEMSANIN  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

This  county  was  the  first  in  the  State  to  prodace  very  large 
flowing  wells  from  the  dec'per  saads  (Berea),  since  the  gusher 
wells  at  Eureka  and  Belmont  wei-e  drilled  in  1889  and  1890, 
while  the  dee])  sand  oils  were  not  developed  in  other  portions 
(Mannington)  of  the  State  until  1891. 

4316  earliest  })roduction  of  oil  in  Iheasants  county  was  in  the 
’60 ’s  soon  after  tlu'  discovery  of  oil  at  Burning  Springs  in  Wirt 
county,  since  the  great  Eureka, -Volcano-lhirning  Springs  anti- 
clinal aloag  which  the  first,  or  ''Shallow  Sand,”  oil  was  de- 
velojxMl  ])asses  directly  across  l^leasants,  and  thus  brings  the  Cow 
Bun,  Big  Injun  and  otlan*  sands  m'ar  enongh  to  the  surface  to 
be  ('asily  ta])])('d  by  the  ])rimitiv('  methods  of  the  early  oil 
o])ei‘ators.  The  production  from  the  Bei'ea  Sand,  although  quite 
large  at  one  time  in  1890,  did  not  hold  u])  long,  since  the  pool  was 


WEST  VlJiCilMA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


2r,o 


smnll,  cuul  did  iu)t  extend  but  a short  distaiiee  away  troni  the 
rej^ioii  of  tli(‘  rock  distiirb^uiee  caused  by  the  anticlinal  U[)lift 
referred  to  abovt'.  The  “shallow”  sands,  liowever,  principally 
tbe  two  Cow  Run  Sands,  luive  been  found  productive  over  (piite 
a large  area  of  the  county,  while  the  Maxton,  “Keener,”  Big 
Injun  proper,  and  possibl;y  some  members  of  the  Salt  Sand  have 
all  produ.ced  more  or  less  oil  and  gas  v/ithiii  the  county’s  limits, 
so  that,  although  not  large  in  area,  Pleasants  has  produced  a 
large  quantity  of  oil,  and  will  still  continue  so  to  do  for  many 
years  in  the  future. 

'The  follovdng  record  is  from  a well  near  the  northeastern 
border  of  the  county,  close  to  the  Tyler  county  line.  It  was 
received  from  the*  late  Prof.  Jolin  F.  Card,  and  reads  as  follows: 

Jim  Wells  Well  No.  1. 

Near  Bens  Run  Station,  (In ioir  district. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Water  at  

(50 

('"oal  (Rewickley)  at  

120 

'CoAv  Rim  Rand 

. 702 

to 

782 

Slate  

. 7S2 

( i 

792 

Sandstone  

. 792 

i ( 

800 

Slate  

. 800 

i i 

. 815 

Lime  

. 815 

i i 

900 

Slate  

. 900 

( i 

995 

Sandstone,  white 

. 995 

i 1 

1005 

Slate,  1)1  ack  (gas)  

.1005 

i i 

1050 

Slate,  white  

.1050 

i i 

10(58 

Slate,  black  

.1008 

i i 

1150 

Slate  and  sandstone  

.1150 

C ( 

11(50 

Sandstone,  clear,  oil,  black 

.1100 

( i 

118(5 

Slate  and  shells 

.118(5 

1 i 

1243 

Sand  (Maxton)  good,  (oil,  124T) 

.1245 

i ( 

12(54 

Slate  

.12(54 

( ( 

128(5 

Sandstone  and  lime  (I'ig)  

.128(5 

( ( 

1347 

Sand,  Keener 

.1347 

iU 

1412 

^^BrealP’  (slate)  

.1412 

i ( 

143(5 

Sandstone,  close  and  liai'd  j 

14'  1 

Slate,  })reak 10'  liig  Tnjiin. 

.143(5 

i ( 

1525 

(?)  10'  1 

Sandstone,  white 55'  J 

Slate,  white,  lo  bottom 

.1525 

1 ( 

1005 

270 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (PLEASANTS) 


The  coal  bed  noted  in  this  record  at  120  feet  is  most  probably 
a representative  of  the  Sewickley  bed,  since  it  comes  1,227  feet 
above  the  Keener  Sand,  80  feet  more  than  that  shown  for  this 
interval  at  Sistersville,  14  miles  to  the  northeast,  hence  the 
horizon  of  the  Pittsburg  coal  would  come  at  about  200  feet  in 
this  well.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  the  stratum  called  ‘‘Cow 
Run  ’ ’ S-and  by  the  driller  is  not  either  the  first  or  second  of  these 
oil  horizons  since  the  first  Cow  Run  Sand  comes  about  300  feet 
below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  while  the  second  Cow  Run  Sand,  on 
Cow  run,  in  Ohio,  conies  400  feet  lower,  or  about  700  feet  below 
the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  thus  makes  it  most  probably  in  the  Lower 
Freeport  sandstone  horizon  of  the  Allegheny  formation. 

In  Bulletin  No.  1 of  the  Geological  Survey  of  Ohio,  published 
in  1903  by  Prof.  J.  A.  Bownocker,  a record  of  Centennial  well, 
No.  6,  of  the  Exchange  Oil  Company,  by  Mr.  George  Lehmer,  is 
given  on  pages  1G8  and  169,  which  will  prove  useful  in  showing 
the  relationshl[)s  of  both  the  First  and  Sec.ond  Cow  Run  Sands  to 
other  well-known  beds  at  the  original  locality  on  Cow  run,  Wash- 
ington county,  Ohio. 


Centennial  Well,  No.  6.  Cow  run. 


Thickness 

of 

Total 

stratum. 

r 

depth, 

V ■ . . 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor 

. 11 

to 

11 

Pittsburg  (Pomeroy)  Coal 

1 

i i 

12 

Calcareous  shale  

9 

( ( 

21 

Lime  

10 

ii 

31 

Red  soapstone  

5 

i { 

36 

Red  shale  

8 

( ( 

44 

White  shale  

42 

( ( 

86 

Lime  

10 

( ( 

96 

Mixed  shale  

5 

( ( 

101 

Shale  and  water 

19 

( ( 

120 

Red  shale  

10 

i i 

130 

Sand  

5 

( i 

135 

White  shale  

20 

1 1 

155 

Red  shale  

90 

( i 

177 

White  shale  

23 

i ( 

200 

Sand  

3 

i i 

203 

Red  rock 

32 

t ( 

235 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  271 

Sand  11  “ 24G 

White  slate 40  286 

Sand  4 290 

Sand  4 294 

Coal,  smut  rock 1 “ 295 

White  slate 4 299 

Lime  8 “ 307 

Gray  shale  2 “ 309 

Lime  (5)  9 314 

Fire  clay 4 318 

Lime 7 325 

First  Cow  Run  Sand 47  ‘ ^ 372 

Red  rock 23  395 

White  shale  46  441 

Dark  shale  50  ‘‘  491 

Sand  10  501 

White  shale  14  515 

Pale  red  shale,  very  hard 64  579 

Lime  5 584 

Sand  10  594 

Black  shale 16  “ 610 

White  shale  30  640 

Sand  10  650 

Coal  ' 1 651 

Sand  39  ‘‘  690 

Dark  shale  5 695 

Sand,  gas  7 “ 702 

White  shale  11  “ 713 

Coal,  smut  rock 1 ‘‘  714 

Fire  clay 20  734 

Sand  .r 2 ‘‘  736 

Sandy  shale  6 742 

Black  shale 4 “ 746 

Slate,  black  30  776 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 64  ‘ ‘ 840 

Black  slate  3 ‘‘  843 

Black  slate  97  ‘ ‘ ' 940 

Sand  83  1023 

Dark  shale  57  1080 

Sand  12  ‘‘  1092 

Black  shale 53  1145 

Salt  Sand  (no  water)  9 “ 1154 

Light  shale 6 1160 

Black  aiiale 23  1183 

Big  Injun  Sand 2 ‘‘  1185 

Dark  shale  39  1224 

Sand -2  1226 

Dark  shale  7 1233 


272 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (PLEASANTS) 


Sand  

7 

< i 

1240 

Sandy  shale,  hard 

00 

i i 

1262 

Dark  shale,  hard 

63 

C i 

1325 

Dark  shale,  softer 

20 

i i 

1345 

Dark  shale  

20 

( ( 

1365 

Dark  shale,  hard 

10 

u 

1375 

This  reeoi'd  shows  that  the  true  First  Cow  Run  Sand  comes 
8RJ  feet  lielow  the  Idttsluir^  coal,  and  its  bottom  extends  to 
:hi()  feet  below  that  welhknown  horizon,  thus  making  it  the  e(iuiv- 
alent  of  the  Saltsburg  sandstone  of  the  Conemaugh  series,  entirely 
above  the  IMahoning  sandstones,  with  which  it  has  so  frequently 
been  confused,  since  the  Dunkard  Sand,  which  is  so  frequently 
teianed  ‘‘Cow  Run”  by  the  drillers  in  West  Virginia,  is  a member 
of  the  ^Rdioning  series,  and  its  top  underlies  the  Pittsburg  coal 
about  425  feet  at  the  original  locality,  on  Dunkard  creek,  Greene 
county,  Iki.,  its  thickness  being  50  to  60  feet.  The  Second  Cow 
Run  Sand  lies  406  feet  below  the  First  Cow  Run,  and  is  there- 
fore either  the  Lower  Freeport  sandstone,  or  else  the  top  member 
(Homewood)  of  the  Ikdtsville  formation. 


Luther  Brown  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  east  of  south  from  Bens  run.  Union  district.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Conq)any. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Salt  Sand 1220  to  1340 

Big  Lime 1700  “ 1766 

Keener  Sand  1766  1791 

Slate  1791  1811 

Big  Injun  Sand,  hard  (oil,  1812-16')  . . . . .1811  1905 

Squaw  Sand  1912  1935 

Total  depth 1940 

^^Three-bai-rel  well.” 


Mercer-Bool  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Lytton  Postoffice,  Union  district.  Authoiuty,  South  Pcmn 
Oil  Comi)any. 

Feet.  Feet. 


(hw  Run  Sand  (coal,  790') 784  to  794 

Salt  Sand  1080  ” IBM) 

Maxtou  Sand  1498  ‘‘  1516 

Big  Lime 1575  “ 1635 

Keener  Sand  (gas,  1640')  1635  167(t 


Big  Injun  Sand,  veiy  hard  and  broken.  . .1690  ‘‘  1770 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


273 


J.  L.  Pool  Well,  No.  2. 

Union  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 876  to  905 

Salt  Sand  1180  ‘‘  1255 

Maxton  Sand  (oil  and  gas  show,  1624') . . .1588  ‘‘  1667 

Big  Lime 1667  1678 

Keener  Sand  (gas,  1710')  1698  “ 1755 

Big  Injun  Sand  (show  oil,  1804')  1774  1866 

Total  depth 1871 

M.  J.  Beagle  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  south  of  east  of  Bens  run.  Union  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Salt  Sand  1150  1450 

Maxton  Sand  1600  1635 

Show  oil  1696 

Big  Lime 4715  1730 

Keener  Sand  1730  ‘‘  1765 

Big  Injun  Sand,  little  oil  and  gas  at  1779'.  1779  1840 

Squaw  Sand 1840  ‘‘  1900 

Iluhhard  (piirehase)  Well,  No.  16. 

Three  miles  east  of  Bens  run.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cave  (bad)  685  to  885 

Cow  Run  Sand  (oil  and  gas  at  901') 895  ‘‘  919 

About  twenty-barrel  well.’’ 

C.  B.  Barker  Well,  No.  1. 

On  IMiddle  Island  creek.  Owners,  Philadelphia  Company.  Author- 
ity, Prof.  John  F.  Card. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Clay  10  to  10 

Sandstone  20  30 

Gravel  20  “ 50 

Sandstone  and  lime 30  80 

Red  sandstone  15  “ 95 

Lime,  white,  hard  (water)  20  “ 115 

Red  lime  10  “ 125 

Ijime,  white,  hai-d  5 ‘‘  130 

Slate,  white  and  soft 10  140 

Sandstone,  dark  and  hard 15  “ 155 

Slate,  white,  soft 5 “ 160 

Lime,  white,  soft 4 “ 164 

Coal  (Pittsburg)  1 1(55 

Slate,  white  and  soft 10  “ 175 


274 


OIL  AHD  QA8  WELL  KECORDS  (RLEASAKTS) 


Red  shale 10  185 

Slate,  white 20  205 

Sandstone,  dark,  close 40  245 

Red  shale,  soft 20  265 

Lime * 10  “ 275 

Red  shale  10  285 

Lome,  white 5 290 

Red  shale 70  360 

Slate,  white 20  ''  380 

Red  shale 20  .400 

Lime,  white 20  420 

Red  cave 45  465 

Unrecorded  25  490 

Lime,  white 20  510 

Coal  (Bakerstown)  5 515 

Slate,  white 3§  545 

Lime,  white 15  560 

Slate,  white,  eaves 40  600 

Sandstone,  dark,  close,  (Dunkard) 20  620 

Sandstone  and  lime,  hard  and  soft 10  630 

Slate,  dark  and  soft 40  670 

Slate,  white 30  **  700 

Slate,  white,  soft 80  780 

Sandstone,  white,  close,  (Second  Cow  Run)  70  **  850 

Slate,  black,  soft 60  ‘‘  910 

Sandstone,  white  (Salt  Sand) 90  1000 

Slate,  black,  soft 80  1080 

Sandstone,  white,  (Salt  Sand) 45  1125 

Slate,  black,  soft 25  **  1150 

Sandstone  white lO'  ^ 

Slate  25' V Maxton..55  1205 

Sandstone,  white  and  soft.. 20') 

Slate,  black  and  soft 65  1270 

Lime,  white  and  hard,  (Big  Lime) 70  1340 

Sandstone,  white,  (little  gas)  (Keener)..  5 1345 

Lime,  dark  and  hard 10  1355 

Lime,  white 20  1375 

Sandstone,  hard  and  soft 30  1405 

Slate,  white  and  soft 16  1421 

Sandstone,  white.  Big  Injun,  (oil  and 

water  at  1440') 179  1600 

Slate  and  shell,  white 50  1650 

Sandstone  and  slate 50  1700 

Slate,  white 175  1875 

Slate,  black  and  soft, 57  1932 

The  one  foot  of  coal  struck  at  164  feet  appears  to  belong  at 
the  horizon  of  the  Pittsburg  bed,  since  it  comes  1,175  feet  above 


WEST  VIliGINIA  GEOIX)GICAL  SURVEY 


275 


the  top  of  the  Keener  Sand,  and  1,257  feet  above  the  top  of  the 
main  body  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand. 

Thomas  11.  Whaley  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  ]\Iaxwell  Postoflfice,  Eastern  Pleasants.  Authority,  Soutli 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1210 

to 

1216 

Salt  Sand 

1560 

( { 

1775 

Maxton  Sand 

1790 

( ( 

1820 

Big  Lime 

1850 

( ( 

1929 

Keener  Sand 

1929 

( ( 

1941 

Break  (slate) 

1941 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  1965') 

1941 

( i 

2020 

Feet. 

715 

731 

1395 

1527 

1577 

1632 

1769 


W.  J.  Shmgleton  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  east  of  Maxwell  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet. 

Cave  315 

Cow  Run  Sand  (poor) 7l5 

Salt  Sand 1100 

Maxton  Sand,  hard 1487 

Cave  None 

Big  Lime 1547 

Keener  Sand  (oil  and  gas) 1577 

Big  Injun  Sand  (broken),  (black 

scum  at  1663') 1631 

Total  depth  1779 

“Five  to  ten  barrel  well.’^ 

Shingleton  Well,  No.  11. 

Near  Hebron.  Authority,  Bettman  & Watson  Company. 

Top  of  cave 

Cow  Run  Sand 1080 

Salt  Sand 1300 

Big  Lime,  top 1870 

Break  (Slate) 

Keener  Sand 1950 

Hard,  fine,  dark  sand  (salt  water  at  1970')  1965 

Big  Injun  Sand,  top 1998 

Show  of  oil  and  gas  2002 

Salt  water 2007 

Slate  

Ada  Weekley  Well,  No. 

Lafayette  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

{ ( 

1090 

1 1 

1500 

i ( 

1946 

(( 

1950 

')1965 

( ( 

2025 

.2002 

n 

2012 

2. 

27(5 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  LECORDS  (PLEASANTS) 


FcgI.  Feet. 

Salt  Sand  (gas  1930') 1680  to  1948 

Maxton  Sand. . . .\ 1948  1969 

Big  Lime 1969  * 2036 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2036  2181 


A.  IF.  Gorrell  Well,  lA.  2. 

Lafayette  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Salt  Sand 

, . . .1166 

to 

1200 

Maxton  Sand 

....1673 

1703 

Big  Lime 

....1721 

i c 

1762 

Keener  Sand 

. , 

....1792 

( ( 

1810 

‘^BrealC’  (slate) 

....1810 

{ i 

1816 

Big  Injnn  Sand 

....1816 

( ( 

1905 

Berea  (shells) 

....2273 

i ( 

2288 

Red  rock 

....2434 

e ( 

2446 

Gordon  Sand  (shells) . . . 



,...2553 

( c 

2568 

Fifth  Sand  

Total  depth 

,...2656 

....2750 

( ( 

2668 

This  is  a very  interesting  record,  since  in  it  are  found  some 
traces  of  the  Venango  Oil  Sand  Group,  notably  the  red  beds  at 
2,434  feet  which  belong  just  under  the  ‘"Fifty-foot”  Sand;  also, 
the  Gordon  and  Fifth  Sands  appear  to  be  indicated  by  ‘ ‘ Shells,  ’ ’ 
or  hard,  fine,  sandy  beds,  at  2,553  and  2,656  respectively.  If  we 
put  the  interval  of  the  Pittsburg  coal  above  the  Keener  Sand  at 
say  1,200  feet,  the  horizon  of  that  coal  would  be  found  at  about 
600  feet  in  the  above  record,  or  1,673  feet  above  the  “Berea” 
Sand,  1,834  feet  above  the  red  beds,  1,953  feet  above  the  Gordon 
Sand,  and  2,056  feet  above  the  Fifth  Sand,  all  of  which  measure- 
ments agree  with  the  westward  thinning  of  the  beds. 

On  Broad  run,  about  two  and  a half  miles  east  from  St. 
Marys,  many  wells  have  been  found  in  what  the  drillers  term  the 
“Cow  Bun”  Sand,  at  depths  varying  with  the  surface  from  600 
feet  up  to  1,000  or  more.  The  wells  are  generally  cased  with 
814-inch  casing  to  a depth  of  460  to  475  feet  above  the  Sand,  and 
then  with  614-inch  casing  down  to  the  top  of  the  Cow  Run  Sand, 
so  that  the  horizon  is  doubtless  identical  with  that  of  the  Dun- 
kard,  although  no  detailed  records  are  obtainable  for  study,  the 
casing  records  being  the  only  data  available  which  would  throw 
any  light  upon  the  matter. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


277 


Severnl  wells  have  been  drilled  on  the  land  of  Eliza  DeLon^ 
by  Bartlett  & Standclilfe,  and  their  records  reveal  the  following 


data : 

Eliza  DeLong  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  (oil  617-G30')  610  to  631 

Total  depth 649 

Etiza  DeLong  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 762  to  783 

Total  depth  795 

Eight  and  one-fourth  inch  casing 335 

Six  and  one-fourtli  inch  casing 735 

Eliza  DeLong  Well,  No.  3. 

Foot  Feet 

Cow  Run  Sand 800  to  815 

Total  depth ^ 823 

Eight  and  one-fourth  inch  casing 325 

Six  Olid  one-fourth-incli  casing 800 

Eliza  DeLong  Well,  No.  4. 

Tt'ppf  • IT’ppf 

Cow  Run  Sand 926  to  941 

Total  depth  945 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 455 

Six  and  one-fourth  inch  casing.  915 

Eliza  DeLong  Well,  No.  5. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 944  to  962 

Total  depth 996 

Eight  and  one-fourth  inch  casing 475 

Six  and  one-fourth  inch  casing 935 


Another  record  of  a Cow  Run  Sami  well  is  given  by  Bett- 
man,  Watson  & Company,  from  the  Bucy  farm,  near  Belmont,  as 
follows : 

Bucy  Well,  No.  4. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Cow  Run  Sand,  top 545 

Show  of  oil  548  to  550 

Slate,  break 560  565 

Sand,  coarse  and  soft 565  583 

Bottom  of  Cow  Run  Sand 583 

Bottom  of  well 587 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 271 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 515 


278 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (PLEASANTS) 


Sharp  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  east  from  Waverly.  Authority,  F.  D.  T. 
Beckley,  Superintendent  of  the  Calf  Creek  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Unrecorded 0 to  618 

Cow  Rim  Sand 12  **  630 

Unrecorded  510  1140 

Salt  Sand  (water  1180-1220') 100  1240 

Slate  40  1280 

Sand  (Maxton) 20  ''  1300 

Big  Lime 40  ''  1340 

Mixed  shale,  merging  into  black  slate. ...  73  1413 

Big  Injim  Sand  (gas  1413',  oil  1423'  and 

1428') 25  1438 

P.  Triplett  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  Union  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Big  Injun  Sand 1461 

Show  of  oil 1480 

Water  1481 

Eight  and  one-fourth  inch  casing 788 

Six  and  one-fourth  inch  casing 1325 


A.  Ruckman  Well,  No.  1. 
Grant  district.  Authority,  Union  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Eight  and  one-fourth  inch  casing 600 

Six  and  one-fourth-inch  casing  1530 

Gas  1858 

Oil  1858 

Bottom 2000 

J.  R.  Bill  Wells. 

Jefferson  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

No.  1.  No.  2 No.  3. 
Feet  Feet  Feet 

Cow  Run  Sand 560-576  621-636  622-623 

8.  W.  Pratt  Well,  No.  S. 

Jeft'erson  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 650  to  667 

Salt  Sand  (oil  show)  1065  1080 

Maxton  Sand  (gas  at  1231') 1330  1345 

Keener  Sand  (oil  and  gas  1460') 1459  1465 

Big  Injun  Sand  to  bottom 1465  1470 


The  following  data  concerning  the  Cow  Run  Sand  in  several 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


279 


portions  of  Pleasants  county  are  from  C.  D.  Bole,  M.  L.  Zahneizer 
and  others. 

Copenhaver  Well. 


Iron  Bridge,  Middle  Island  creek. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 587 

to 

614 

Bell  Farm  Well,  No.  27. 

Bens  run. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 905 

to 

947 

Wagner  Well,  No.  3. 

On  Sugar  creek,  three  to  four  miles  from  mouth. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 651 

to 

686 

Jones  Farm  Well. 

Right  fork  of  French  creek. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand . 

. 692 

to 

708 

G.  G.  Roby  Well,  No.  9. 

Six  miles  east  of  St.  Marys. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 806 

■to 

826 

J.  H.  & n.  P.  Lock  Farm. 

Middle  Island  creek,  seven  miles  from  mouth. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

509 

to 

630 

McCuen  Well. 

Three  miles  east  of  Raven  Rock. 

Feet. 

Black  shale,  5 to  10  feet  thick 

. 750 

Top  Cow  Run  Sand 

Dotson  Farm  Well,  No. 

1. 

On  Long  run  of  French  creek,  two  miles  south  of  St  Marys. 

Feet. 

Black  shale  at 403 

Cow  Run  Sand 468 

Dotson  Farm  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 480 

‘‘Black  shale  with  coal  found  all  through  Washington  district, 
400  feet  below  the  river.” 


280 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOllDS  (PLEASANTS; 


As  already  stated,  the  great  Burning  Springs- Volcano  anti- 
clinal passes  through  Pleasants  county,  crossing  the  Ohio  river 
near  Eureka,  where  it  brings  up  the  Berea  Sand  to  only  about 
1,100  to  1,200  feet  below  river  level,  on  its  crest,  the  Ames  lime- 
stone getting  above  water  level.  The  Berea  Grit  proved  quite 
productive  along  this  arch,  but  the  pool  was  soon  exhausted. 

A well  drilled  on  Brothers  Island  gave  the  following  record, 
according  to  Mr.  W.  C.  Brockunier,  of  Wheeling,  its  owner: 

Brothers  Island  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Drive  pipe  (through  clay  and  gravel) ....  80  to  80 


Unrecorded  120  “ 200 

Sand,  heavy  oil,  (1st  Cow  Run) 

Unrecorded  215  “ 415 

Sand,  oil  show  with  water 25  ‘‘  440 

Unrecorded  100  ‘‘  540 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand GO  “ 600 

Unrecorded  40  ‘‘  G40 

Salt  Water  Sand  (“Salt  Sand”  and  “Big 

Injun”)  330  970 

Shales,  with  40  feet  of  black  slate  at  bot- 
tom   378  1348 

Berea  Grit,  oil. 


This  shows  about  40  feet  of  filling  in  the  river  .channel  here, 
below  the  bed  of  the  same.  The  sand  at  200  feet  is  supposed  to  be 
the  Fiist  Coiv  Run,  and  that  at  540  feet  the  Second  one. 

Another  well,  on  the  Cook  farm  up  French  creek,  one  mile 
back  from  the  river,  gives  more  detail,  and  starts  on  the  hill. 
It  is  as  follows,  according  to  Mr.  Brockunier: 


Cook.Farm  Well,  on  French  Creek,  Near  Eureka. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

UnrecK)rded  (cased  7%-inch  at  305  feet.) . 

390 

to 

390 

First  Cow  Run  Sand 

50 

< i 

440 

Dark  Shales 

160 

(( 

600 

Sand 

48 

ii 

648 

Shales  

52 

i ( 

700 

Sand • 

50 

(( 

750 

Shale,  black 

95 

( 1 

845 

“Salt  Sand”  (“Salt  sand  proper  and 
“Big  Injun,”  oil  945  ft.,  oil  and  gas 
1090  ft.,  with  big  pebbles,  salt  water 
at  1125  ft.) 

375 

Cl 

1220 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


281 


Slates  aiul  shales,  oil  show  at  1415 347  1507 

Berea  Sand 4 ‘‘  1571 

Unrecorded  to  bottom 31  “ 1002 


'The  Berea  Sand  varied  from  0 to  35  feet  in  thickness  in  this 
region,  and  some  of  the  wells  flowed  20  to  30  barrels  an  hour. 
The  field  was  of  limited  area,  owing  to  the  rapid  dip  on  each 
side  of  the  great  arch,  and  the  available  territory  was  soon  drilled 
over. 

The  sand  at  390  feet  is  called  the  First  Cow  Run  by  the 
drillers,  and  is  the  same  as  that  struck  at  200  feet  in  the  Brothers 
Island  well,  while  that  at  700  feet  is  supposed  to  be  the  Second 
Cow  Run  Sand. 

DODDRIDGE  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Doddridge  county  lies  southeast  from  Pleasants  and  Tyler, 
its  northwestern  boundary  abutting  against  the  latter.  It  therefore 
occupies  a central  position  in  the  great  Appalachian  trough,  and 
hence  has  proven  very  prolific  in  both  gas  and  oil  through  the 
whole  column  of  oil  sands  from  the  First  Cow  Run  down  to  the 
Fifth,  or  McDonald  Sand,  2,300  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal. 

The  oil  history  of  Doddridge  county  began  with  the  drilling 
of  a well  on  the  Sullivan  Heirs’  farm  by  the  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany, early  in  1892,  which  secui*ed  a fairly  good  well  in  the  Big 
Injun  Sand  at  a depth  of  1910  feet.  The  success  of  this  first 
test  well  in  Doddridge  soon  led  to  the  drilling  of  others,  so  that 
its  oil  and  gas  i)roduction  increased  rapidly  thereafter,  and  has 
now  spread  to  every  portion  of  the  county,  so  that  while  many 
dry  holes  have  been  drilled,  it  is  i)ossible  to  find  either  oil  or  gas 
in  valuable  quantities  in  every  portion  of  its  area. 

The  following  well  records  from  the  different  regions  will 
illustrate  the  underground  succession  in  Doddridge : 

Samuel  Collins  Well,  No.  3. 

One  mile  west  of  Centerpoint,  McClellan  district.  Authority, 


South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Native  coal  (Uniontown  D 168  to  171 

Pittsburg  Coal 448  454 

Dunkard  Sand 1020  “ 1135 


282 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (DODDRIDGE) 


Gas  Sand  1150  1180 

Salt  Sand 1320  1470 

Little  Lime 1710  ‘‘  1730 

Pencil  cave 1730  1745 

Big  Lime 1745  1804 

Big  Injiin  Sand 1804  1950 

Gas,  1890'-1895';  gas  and  oil 1902 


It  is  possible  that  the  coal  identified  by  the  drillers  in  the 
Centerpoint  region  as  the  Pittsburg  may  be  the  Sewickley,  or 
Mapletown,  and  in  that  event  the  “Native”  coal  of  the  record 
would  be  the  Waynesburg,  instead  of  the  Uniontown. 

A.  Glasspell  Well,  No.  1. 

McClellan  district.  Authority,  Carnegie  Natural  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Unrecorded 210  to  210 

Native  coal  (Washington)  210 

Unrecorded  500  “ 710 

Pittsburg  Coal 710 

Unrecorded 410  “ 1120 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  35  “ 1155 

Unrecorded  45  “ 1200 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 35  1235 

Unrecorded  165  “ 1400 

“Gas”  Sand 80  “ 1480 

Unrecorded  220  “ 1700 

Salt  Sand 40  “ 1740 

Unrecorded 160  1900 

Little  Lime 10  “ 1910 

Unrecorded  15  “ 1925 

Big  Lime 75  “ 2000 

Big  Injun  Sand 100  “ 2100 

Unrecorded  375  “ 2475 

‘‘Thirty-Foot  Sand  (Berea) 10  “ 2485 

Unrecorded  224  “ 2709 

Sand 15  “ 2724 

Unrecorded  24  “ 2748 

Gordon  Stray 25  “ 2773 

Gordon  Sand  (top) 2773 


“First  Gas  at  277U;  Second  gas  at  2778';  Third  gas  at  2800' — 
so  strong  that  drilling  had  to  be  suspended.’^ 

IL  J.  Skahan  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Cascara,  three  to  four  miles  south  from  Sedalia.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 


( ( 


Pittsburg  Coal 


Feet. 
. 650 


Feet. 

660 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  283 

Cave  790  990 

Cow  Run  Sand 990  “ 1000 

Salt 'Sand 1400  1430 

IMaxton  Sand? 1720  1755 

Bii?  Lime 1900  1950 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  1950^  & I960';  oil 

2063')  1950  2063 

Gantz  Sand 2572  2592 

Gordon  Stray 2644  “ 2679 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2730-45') 2730  2750 

Total  depth 2760 

The  sand  identified  by  the  driller  as  the  Maxton  in  the  above 
record  is  probably  only  the  bottom  portion  of  the  Pottsville  or 
Salt  Sand. 

E.  Stringer  Boggess  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  west  from  Sedalia.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg?  Coal  (Sewickley) 455  to  460 

Cow  Run  Sand 1025  1040 

Salt  Sand 1100  ''  1300 

Big  Lime 1745  1820 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  1820') 1820  ''  1920 

Gordon  Sand  (shells) 2600 

Total  depth 2800 

George  Frum  Well,  No.  1 (T.  O.  Frum). 

Near  Sedalia.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 964  to  975 

Cave 1200  1295 

Cow  Run  Sand 1397  1472 

Salt  Sand  1841  “ 1960 

Big  Lime 2197  ''  2247 

Big  Injun  Sand 2247  2338 

Berea  Grit 2718  2736 

Sand 2940  2960 

Gordon  Stray 3009  3046 

Gordon  Sand  (oil  3076')  3063  3080 

Total  depth  (no  5th  Sand) 3295 

Eliza  J.  Webh  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1 (John  J.  Wehh). 

Near  Sedalia.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company.  ' 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 725  to  737 

Cave 1000  ‘‘  1280 

Cow  Run  Sand  1280  1310 

Salt  Sand  1500  1675 


284 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (DODDKIDGE) 


Maxton  Sand  

.1835 

< ( 

1894 

Big  Lime 

.1970 

K 

2035 

P)ig  Injun  Sand 

.2035 

( 1 

2128 

Gordon  Sti-ay 

.2701 

( ( 

2723 

Gordon  Sand  

.2752 

( ( 

2792 

Total  depth 

2823 

Eliza  J.  Wehh,  No.  2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. 970 

to 

980 

Cave  

.1290 

1 ( 

1490 

Cow  Run  Sand  

.1500 

(( 

1550 

Salt  Sand  

.1820 

C ( 

1896 

Maxton  Sand  

.2050 

i i 

2090 

Big  Lime 

.2208 

ii 

2298 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.2310 

( ( 

2380 

Stray  Sand  (oil,  3025') 

.2990 

( { 

3030 

Gordon  Sand  

.3047 

{ ( 

3069 

Total  depth 

3075 

Wm.  A.  Chess  Well,  No.  2. 

One-t*oiirtli  mile  west  from  Doddridge-Harrison  county  line  and 
four  miles  south  of  Sedalia.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Pittsburg-  Coal  

Cow  Run  Sand 

Salt  Sand  

Maxton  Sand 

Big  Lime 

Big  Injun  Sand 

Stray  Sand  (oil,  30S2') 

Gordon  Sand  

Total  depth 


Feet. 

Feet. 

,1017 

to 

1022 

.1533 

i ( 

1605 

.1885 

( ( 

2010 

.2140 

( 1 

2165 

.2290 

( { 

2340 

.2340 

i ( 

2452 

.3080 

( ( 

3094 

.3097 

1 ( 

3107 

3139 

1.  N.  Uiffee  Well,  No.  2. 

Two  and  one-fourth  miles  south  10°  east  from  Sedalia.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. ..  840 

to 

847 

Cave  

. ..  975 

( ( 

1355 

Cow  Run  Sand 

...1357 

( 1 

1362 

Salt  Sand  

. . .1680 

( ( 

1750 

Big  Lime 

...2080 

( ( 

2143 

Big  Injun  Sand  

. . .2143 

( ( 

2248 

Stray  Sand  

. . .2838 

( ( 

2850 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2858';  oil,  2802') . . 

...2855 

i ( 

2883 

Fifth  Sand  

...3026 

i 1 

3029 

WEST  VlllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


285 


In  tlie  I.  N.  RifTee  wells,  Nos.  1,  3 and  4,  the  Pittsburg  coal 
is  reported  as  10  feet,  6 feet  and  10  feet  thick,  at  depths  of  775 
feet,  1,070  feet  and  1,106  feet  respectively. 


Silas  Lang  fit  Well,  No.  3. 

McClellan  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  695 

Big  Injun  Sand 2028 

Fii’st  ^^pay”  (no  good) 2105 

Second  “pay”  (good)  2135 

Total  depth  2158 


Jacob  Underwood  Well,  No.  9. 

Near  Tyler  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 925 

Dnnkard  Sand  (oil)  1396 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2266';  oil,  black, 

2294')  2258  to  2399 

“Oil  show”  2365 


Jamison  Hutson  Well,  No.  7. 


McClellan  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Pittsburg  Coal 

775 

to 

781 

Dnnkard  Sand  

1290 

i 1 

1320 

Salt  Sand  

1700 

i 1 

1790 

Pencil  cave 

1985 

i i 

1990 

I>ig  Lime 

1990 

1 ( 

2080 

Big  Injun  Sand  

2080 

( i 

2200 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

2710 

( { 

2750 

Sand  (Stray)  

2793 

( ( 

2823 

Slate  

2823 

( t 

2858 

Sand  (Gordon)  

2858 

1 i 

2872 

Slate  and  shells 

2872 

c l 

3206 

Viola  Hare  Well,  No.  1. 


McClellan  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

765 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand  

1189 

to 

1220 

Big  Dnnkaid  Sand 

1310 

< 1 

1350 

Salt  Sand  

1660 

1 i 

17(50 

Little  Lime  

1934 

( ( 

1964 

Big  Lime  

1990 

( i 

2062 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2062 

i { 

2190 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

2640 

( ( 

2663 

“Bowlder”  Sand  

2706 

( c 

2740 

286 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IIEOOKDS  (DODDRIDGE) 


Stray  Sand 2786  ‘‘  2828 

Gordon  Sand  2850  “ 2860 

Total  depth 2901 

A.  F.  M.  Lyons  Well,  No.  1. 

IMcClellan  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Peet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  685 

Big  Dimkard  Sand 1200  to  1250 

Gas  Sand  1300  1320 

Salt  Sand  1550  1610 

Sand  ; 1780  1835 

Alaxton  Sand 1860  1875 

Big  Lime 1960  2000 

Big  Injun  Sand  2000  2100 

Stray  (ga-s,  2710')  2697  2733 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2763') 2763  2783 

Total  depth 2791 

C.  V.  Lyons  Well,  No.  1. 

McClellan  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 807  to  815 

Dunkard  Sand  1345  1400 

Salt  Sand  1700  ‘‘  1800 

Big  Lime 2050  2100 

Big  Injun  Sand  2110  2210 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  2854';  oil,  2860') 2834  2866 

Gordon  Sand  2887  2908 

Total  depth 2910 

S.  Stark  Well,  No.  6. 

McClellan  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  980 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1425  to  1460 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 1535  “ 1590 

Gas  Sand  (Second  Cow  Run)  1815  1890 

Salt  Sand  1975  2010 

Maxton  Sand  2060  “ 2100 

Little  Lime 2170  2220 

Big  Lime 2230  2285 

Big  Injun  Sand 2285  2400 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2850  ‘‘  2875 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  2998'  and  3014') 2996  ‘‘  3043 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3072') 3067  3087 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  2K7 

E.  E.  Smith  Well,  No.  1. 

IMcClellan  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 725  to  735 

Dunkard  Sand  1235  1335 

Salt  Sand  1650  1700 

Big  Lime 1960  “ 2035 

Big  Injun  Sand 2035  2135 

Fiftv-foot  Sand 2600  ‘‘  2605 

Sand  (‘‘Thirty-foot^’)  2680  “ 2715 

Sand  (Stray)  oil,  2774' 2737  “ 2781 

Slate  2781  “ 2802 

Sand  (Gordon)  oil,  2806' 2802  “ 2806 

F.  J.  Bartlett  Well,  No.  1. 

McClellan  district,  near  Cascara.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil 

Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1022 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1430 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1550  to  1615 

Salt  Sand  2005  “ 2046 

Maxton  Sand  2081  “ 2150 

Big  Lime 2250  “ 2320 

Big  Injun  Sand 2340  “ 2440 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2875  “ 2900 

“Bowlder”  Sand  2975  “ 3000 

Stray  Sand  (oil  and  gas  3052') 3017  “ 3062 

Gordon  Sand  3072  “ 3086 

Joseph  Gaskins  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  southwest  of  Alpha  Postoffice.  Authority, 

Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  699  to  702 

Cave  (bad)  900  “ 1200 

Cow  Run  Sand 1224  “ 1236 

Salt  Sand  1610  “ 1660 

Salt  Sand  1698  “ 1754 

Maxton  Sand 1765  “ 1860 

Big  Lime 1978  “ 2040 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2075') 2040  “ 2140 

Berea  (poor)  2372  “ 2440 

Gordon  Stray 2752  “ 2758 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2769') 2765  “ 2771 

Total  depth 2795 

(Gas  well.) 


288  OIL  AND  GAB  WELL  RECORDS  (DODDRIDGE) 

M.  y.  Underwood  Well,  No.  1 

One  mile  west  of  Alpha  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg’  Coal 750  to  755 

Cave  1025  ‘‘  1300 

Cow  Run  Sand 1300  1388 

Salt  Sand  1490  1510 

Salt  Sand  1580  1650 

Maxton  Sand  (gas,  1869';  oil,  1905') 1861  1956 

Cave  2025  2035 

Pig  Lime 2035  ‘‘  2130 

Big  Injun  Sand  2130  2230 

Sand,  poor  2420  2440 

Berea,  poor '. 2480  ^ ^ 2510 

Gordon  Stray,  poor 2813  2818 

• Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2835')  2833  “ 2843 

Total  depth  2843 

0.  W.  0.  Hardman  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district,  near  Tyler  line.  Authority,  E.  H.  Jenniags  & 
Brothers. 

Feet.  Feet. 

First  Coal 54 

Lime 336 

Coal  525 

Coal  (Sewickley)  558 

‘Gliirry  Up”  Sand  90  feet 935 

Top  of  Dunkard  Sand 1115 

Gas  Sand,  30  feet 1305 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1559') 1500  to  1560 

Pencil  cave,  8 feet 1855 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  2075') . . . .1960 

Top  Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2690')  2670 

Bottom  of  Gordon  Sand 2698 

Fourth  Sand 2738 

Shells  and  slate  to  bottom 2826 

0.  W.  0.  Hardman  Well,  No.  14. 

Grant  district,  near  Tyler  county  line.  Authority,  E.  II.  Jen- 
nings & Brothers. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 830 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand 2120 

First  ^‘pay”  ' 2230 

Fair  Sand  2240 

Bottom  of  hole  2257 


WEST  VIKGINIA  ("xEOLOGiCAL  SUKVEY  289 

M.  J.  Francis  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  lA'im  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

IMttsl)iir<>'  Coal  1M)0  to  90S 

Salt  Saiul  (water,  1770') 17-h)  1830 

Hi- Lime 21(50  2220 

Hii;’  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2235')  2220  2335 

Sand  (Stray)  2972  2987 

Slate  2987  3013 

Sand,  Gordon  (oil,  3015  to  3020') 3013  3022 

J.  M.  Pratt  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

‘‘BhifC’  Sand 380  to  420 

Pittsburg?  Coal  784  790 

Dunkard  Sand  1305  1325 

Salt  Sand  1530  1724 

Pencil  cave 2004  2070 

BigLirne 2070  2140 

Big  Injun  Sand 2100  2225 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2715  2750 

Stray  Sand 2819  2834 

Slate  2834  2858 

Gordon  Sand  2858  2870 

Slate  to  bottom  2870  2872 

E.  J.  Polan  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Antlnnlty,  South  Pmin  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

'GlliifC’  Sand  ( \Vaynes))urg)  750  to  800 

Pittsburg  Cl.al  \ 1090  1097 

Dunkjird  Sand  1010  1022 

Sail  Sand  1880  2030 

Pencil  cave .2302  2370 

Big  Lime  2370  2415 

Big  Injun  Sand 2415  2550 

Fifty-foot  Saiid 3020  3050 

Sti-ay  Sjiiid  (sti'ong  gas,  3171')  3170  3185 

Slat(i  (oil  show,  317(5')  3185  3205 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3212')  3205  ‘‘  3218 

Total  depth  3218 

P.  /SltaiKjkiiesseij  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Autlu>i*ity,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 045  to  050 

Dunkard  Sand 1175  1200 

Salt  Sand  1475  ''  1570 


290 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  llECORDS  DODDRIDGE) 


Pencil  cave 1920  1925 

Big  Lime 1925  2000 

Black  slate  2000  2010 

Big  Iiijnii  Sand  2010  “ 2095 

Filtv-foot  Sand 2545  2585 

Gordon  Sand  (g:as,  2721')  2721  2725 


Milfoil  Davis  Well,  No.  5. 

(irrant  district,  two  miles  northwest  of  Salem..  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

1015 

Sand  

1865 

to 

1915 

Sand  (Maxton)  

2156 

< 1 

2196 

Big  Lime 

2270 

{ ( 

2350 

Sand  (Big  Injun)  

i i 

2463 

Stray  Sand  (oil  and  gas,  3090') 

3084 

( 1 

3101 

Slate  

3101 

i ( 

3123 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  3133') 

3123 

i i 

3134 

Slate  to  bottom  

3134 

i ( 

3135 

Nellie  Bee  Well,  No.  1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal ’ 

. . 995 

to 

1001 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  

..1525 

1555 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

..1630 

i ( 

1680 

Salt  Sand  

. .19()0 

i ( 

1990 

Litrle  Lime . 

. .2170 

i i 

2200 

I^encil  cave  

. .2200 

i i 

2206 

Big  Lime 

. . 2206 

( 

2291 

Big  Iniun  Sand  

. . 2291 

i i 

2386 

Thirty-foot  Sand 

. .2970 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  3072';  show  oil,  3082') 

. .3071 

i ( 

3089 

Slate  

. .3089 

i i 

3111 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3114') 

. .3111 

i ( 

3122 

M.  J.  Carr  Well.  No. 

1. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

380 

Dunkard  Sand  

880 

to 

925 

Salt  Sand  

14.30 

i ( 

1490 

Big  Ihme 

1660 

i i 

1730 

Big  Injun  Sand  

1730 

i i 

1860 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

2280 

i i 

2300 

Sand  (Stray)  

2429 

( i 

2436 

Slate  

2436 

i i 

2464 

Lime  

24(54 

i ( 

2474 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  201 


liiiiio  and  shells  . . 

. .2474 

( c 

2520 

Sand  (Fourth)  ... 

i i 

2525 

I dine  

. . 2525 

i ( 

2530 

Slate  

i ( 

2535 

Lime  and  shells  . . 

. .2535 

( ( 

2590 

Slate  

. . 251)0 

( ( 

2010 

Lime  and  shells  . . 

• 

. .2010 

( ( 

2600 

Slate  

. .2000 

( ( 

2702 

Lime  

. .2702 

( i 

2730 

Slate  to  bottom  . . 

. .2730 

2735 

.i.  . 

A.  Davis 

Well,  No. 

1. 

(rraut  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 

Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg-  Coal  . . . 

. 742 

to 

750 

Dunkard  Sand  . . . 

, .1262 

( i 

1290 

Gas  Sand  (Second  Cow  Run 

) 

.1400 

i ( 

1435 

Salt  Sand  

.1040 

( i 

1720 

Pencil  cave 

, .1980 

i c 

1985 

Pig  Ijime . . 

i i 

2075 

Pig'  Jnjnn  Sand  . . 

.2075 

( ( 

2185 

Fifty-toot  Sand  . . 

.2090 

i i 

2730 

Sand  .' 

.2737 

i i 

2707 

Sand  shell 

.2707 

( ( 

2811 

Sand  (Stray)  gas, 

28  IP 

.2811 

( ( 

2830 

' Slate  

.2830 

( ( 

2849 

Sand,  Gord(»n  (oil, 

2851') . . . . 

. 2849 

( ( 

2804 

Slate  to  bottom  . . 

.2804 

( ( 

2881 

A.  . 

1.  Davis 

Well,  No.  , 

2. 

Grant  district.  Authority,  South 

1 Penn 

Oil 

Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  . . . 

. 882 

to 

890 

Dunkai'd  Sand  . . . 

.1317 

( ( 

1350 

Salt  Sand  

.1733 

( ( 

1790 

Pig  Lime 

.2145 

i i 

2215 

Pig  Injun  Sand  . . 



.2215 

( i 

2337 

Fifty-foot  Sand  . . 

. 2802 

( i 

2835 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  21)()1/;  oil,  ‘21)()‘2') . . . 

.2900 

( ( 

2979 

Gor'don  Sand  to  bottom 

. 2997 

i ( 

3007 

Thos. 

Devaney 

Well,  No. 

1. 

One  mile  east  of  Ijong 

run.  Grant  district.  Authority,  South 

JAnn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  (k)al  . . . 

. 903 

to 

910 

Salt  Sand  

. 1730 

( ( 

1810 

Pig  Lime 

.2100 

( i 

2240 

Pig  Injun  Sand  . . 

.2240 

i ( 

2320 

202 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IIECOKDS  (DODDllIDGE) 


Fifly-i'oot  Sand  2cS05  2825 

^^Tliirty-root”  Sand  (^as,  2910') 2910  2925 

Stray  Sand 297(5  298(5 

(Jordon  Sand  3018  3017 

Slate  and  slitdls  to  ])ottoni 3017  3314 

j\I.  Davisson  Well,  No.  2. 

(jJraiit  district,  Harrison  and  Doddridge  County  lino,  one  niilo 
northwest  of  Saloni.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

l-ittsbui;i>'  Coal  1100 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand 1530  to  1580 

Salt  Sand  1940  2000 

Pig  Lime 2400  2458 

Big  Injun  Sand  2458  2581 

Fif tv-foot  Sand 3010  3055 

Stray  Sand  (oil,  31(50')  3159  3171 

Slate  to  ])ottom  3212  3215 

Silas  Fitro  Well,  No.  2. 

One  mile  and  a lialf  southwest  of  Salem,  (treenhrier  rlistrict. 
Authority,  South  l^enn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsl)nrg  Coal  1092  to  1095 

De.nkaid  Sand  1590  1(580 

Salt  Sand  1950  2000 

Little  Lime  2340  ''  2380 

Big  Lime 2390  2440 

Big  Injiin  Sand  2442  2492 

Fit'lv-foot  Sand 3020  3040 

Stray  Sand  3128  3145 

Coi-dcn  Sand  31(55  3182 

Tclal  depth 3193 

Jolni  Irons  Well,  No.  1. 

Greeitltrier  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Bhtsbni’g  (Joal 7(55  to  772 

Dnnkard  Sand  1285  1315 

Salt  Sand  1(505  1(580 

Big  Lime...* 2050  2120 

Big  Injun  Sand 2120  2245 

Fjfty-f(;(>t  Sand 2715  2750 

Stj-ay  Sand 280(5  “ 2824 

Slate  2824  2845 

Cordon  Sand  2845  “ 285(5 

Slate  t<.  bottom  2850  “ 2859 


WES'P  VlRdlNIA  GEOLOGICAJj  StJJlVEY 


2‘)y 


R.  G.  Ravin  Well,  No.  3 

One  niii('  northwest  of  lotus,  Greeubrier  district. 
South  IVuu  Oil  Couipauy. 

i ''S  . 

Ihttsburii'  (yonl  

Diiiikai'd  Sand 1345 

Salt  Sand  1780 

r>ig'  Lime  2130 

I)ig  Injiiii  Sand 2170 

Fifty-loot  Sand 2660 

Stray  Sand 2828 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2871') 2864 

Total  deidli 2902 

Marcellus  Clark  Well,  No. 

One  mile  uorthwest  of  Miletus,  Greeubrier  district. 
South  Penu  Oil  Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

Dnnkard  Sand 1164 

Salt  Sand  1625 

Ihg  Lime  1940 

Big  Injun  Sand 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2510 

Stray  Sand 2679 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2719') 2716 

Total  de])tli 

Williani  Moivrij  Well,  No.  1. 


Bittsburg  Coal 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand  1195 

Salt  Sand  1675 

Alaxton  Sand  

Big  lame 2075 

Big  Injun  Sand  2125 

Berea  2475 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

Stray  Sand 2770 

Gor(ion  Sand  2798 

Fifth  Sand  (oil)  3004 

Total  dei)tb 3081 

'This  farau  li(‘s  in  tlu'  (‘ushuai  coriuu*  of  Doddridgag  along  the 
southvvc'st  expulsion  of  tln^  Wolf  Suinniit  and  daryisville  Fifth 
Sand  d(‘yeloi)n)ents  where  the  inp'ryal  from  the  Pittsburg  coal 
to  the  Pig  Injun  Oil  Sand  has  thickened  up  greatly. 


district. 

Authority, 

Feet. 

Feet. 

. 800 

.1345 

10 

1385 

.1780 

1 i 

1860 

.2130 

i i 

2170 

.2170 

i ( 

2255 

.2660 

i 1 

2685 

.2828 

i ( 

2840 

.2864 

i i 

2877 

.2902 

/.  2. 

■ district. 

Authority, 

Feet. 

Feet. 

, . 639 

.1164 

to 

1210 

.1625 

( 1 

1685 

.1940 

1 ( 

1990 

.1990 

( ( 

2105 

.2510 

i i 

2535 

.2679 

i i 

2694 

. .2716 

( i 

2728 

2750 

. 1. 

n Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

. 700 

to 

704 

. .1195 

1 1 

1230 

. .1675 

( ( 

1850 

. .2000 

1 ( 

2035 

. . 2075 

i ( 

2125 

. .2125 

i ( 

2275 

. .2475 

1 ( 

2490 

. .2600 

( ( 

2635 

. . 2770 

( i 

2785 

. .2798 

i ( 

2840 

i ( 

3016 

294 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS  (DODDllIDGE) 


William  Mowry  Well,  No.  2. 


L’eenbrier  district.  iVuthority, 

Pittsburg?  Coal  (Sewickley) 

Big  Duiikard  Sand 

Salt  Sand  

Maxton  Sand  

South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

550  to  . 556 

1050  1055 

1215  1450 

1835  1955 

lOfiO 

Big  Lime 

1900 

i ( 

2020 

Big  [njnn  Sand 

2020 

( ( 

2089 

Fit‘tv-foot  Sand 

01-10 

( ( 

2466 

Stray  Sand 

i ( 

2585 

(tordon  Sand  

2605 

i i 

2645 

Fifth  Sand  (oil)  

2860 

. i 

2868 

Total  dejdli  

2878 

Geo.  T.  Riclian 

is  Well,  No.  3. 

reenbrier  district.  Authority, 

South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsbnry  Coal 

590 

to 

595 

Tuttle  rtnnkard  Sand  

912 

i ( 

937 

Bio:  Dnnkard  Sand  

1030 

( { 

1070 

Salt  Sand  

1500 

( ( 

1685 

]\laxton  Sand  

1860 

i i 

1935 

TUg  Lime 

1970 

1 1 

2035 

Big  Injun  Sand 

i ( 

2135 

Fitty-foot  Sand 

2568 

( ( 

2593 

Coi’don  Stray  (oil,  2604')  . . 

2651 

( ( 

2686 

Cordon  Sand  

2699 

i 1 

2743 

khftli  Sand  

2893 

( ( 

2902 

Total  depth 

2989 

J.  T.  t^omcrville  Well,  No.  2. 

(Jreenbrier  district.  xVnthority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

474 

to 

480 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

1040 

< ( 

m5 

IMaxton  Sand  

1745 

( i 

1825 

Big  lume 

1830 

i i 

1895 

Big  Injun  Sand  

1900 

i 1 

1965 

I'dfty-i'oot  Sand 

2360 

i i 

2390 

Stray  Sand  

2472 

i i 

2500 

tionlou  Saufl  

..'...  . . 2580 

i i 

2620 

2790 

2815 

Fifth  Sand  (oil)  

Total  depth 

2784 

( i 

WEST  VIliGIxNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


295 


1).  II.  Nicholson  Well,  No.  1. 

New  .Milton  district.  ‘ Authority  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

1 10 

to 

545 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

1180 

i i 

1255 

(fas  Sand  

1340 

1 ( 

1345 

Salt  Sand  

1460 

i ( 

1545 

Maxton  Sand  

1715 

i ( 

1720 

Big  Injun  Sand  

2075 

i i 

2150 

Gantz  Sand  

i i 

2360 

Gordon  Sand  

Fifth  Sand  

Total  depth 

2658 

. i i 

2665 

2824 

2906 

Albert  Pearcy  Well,  No.  2. 


One  mile  north  of  Kelly  Postoffice,  New  Milton  district.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Washiiiiiton)  250  to  252 

Bluff  Sand  ( Wavnesburg)  385  425 

Dunkard  Sand  1065  ‘‘  1000 

“Second”  Sand  1170  “ 1220 

Salt  Sand  1360  “ 1443 

Second  Salt  Sand  1550  “ 1580 

Sand  ' 1610  “ 1685 

Little  Lime 1840  “ 1855 

Pencil  cave  1870 

Sand  (Maxton)  1872  “ 1892 

Big  Lime 1892  “ 1947 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1972';  oil,  1973  to 

1980')  '.  1947  “ 2042 

Total  dei)tli 2047 

(Thirty-ban-el  well.) 


VL.  n.  Maxwell  Well,  No.  1. 


One  mile  and  a half  south  of  Coldwater,  New  Milton  district. 
Authority,  South  JVnn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

795 

to 

800 

Little  Duidvard  Sand 

1240 

( i 

1280 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

1325 

i ( 

1360 

Gas  Sand  - 

1578 

i i 

1620 

Salt  Sand  

1690 

( i 

1735 

Maxton  Sand  

( i 

2010 

Little  Lime  

2050 

( ( 

2060 

Big  Lime 

2226 

< < 

2298 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2298 

1 ( 

2423 

‘2'.)0  OTL  AND  GAS  WELL  llECOJtDS  (DODDIUDGE) 


Gnnlz  Sand  (oil,  2()20') 2G0S  2050 

Total  doplli 2053 


Here  at  tlie  soutlieasL'rn  line  of  Doddridj^e,  th(^  interval 
from  tlie  Pittsbnro  coal  to  tli(‘  Big  Injnn  Sand  lias  thickened  to 
1,500  f(Md.,  wliich  is  greater  by  200  feet  tlian  the  same  interval 
on  th('  O.  B.  Hardman  faian  at  the  Tyler-Doddridge  line,  20  miles 
iioi'thwestAvard. 


James  Maxwell  Well,  No.  1. 


New  Milton  district,  two  miles 

south  of  Market. 

Authority, 

Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cave  

800 

'to 

800 

Cow  Kim  Sand  (shell)  

950 

S-dt  Sand  

1410 

( c 

1505 

jV'laxton  Sand  

1740 

( ( 

1770 

Biii'  Lime 

1900 

( ( 

2035 

Bia  Injun  Sand  

2035 

( i 

2110 

Canlz  Sand  

2420 

( ( 

2422 

Cordon  Stray  (shell)  

2030 

Gordon  Sand  

2055 

( t 

2059 

Total  deplli 

2802 

IB.  M.  Stout  Well,  No.  8. 

Two  miles  west  of  Market.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsbnra'  Coal  

Cara*  

900 

to 

1200 

Cow  Knn  Sand  

1250 

( ( 

1285 

Salt  Sand  

1400 

( ( 

1500 

Max  Ion  Sand 

1825 

i 1 

1850 

p]o>  Lmu' 

1905 

( 1 

2040 

l)i'r  Injnn  Sand 

2040 

( i 

2130 

Cordon  Sand  

2073 

( ( 

2078 

Total  deiitli 

2098 

No  coal  found  in  any  of  the  Stout  wells  exce}>t  in  No.  25, 
about  two  miles  sontli  fi-om  W.  M.  Stout  No.  8,  where  a coal  bed 
is  reported  tliree  feet  thick  at  230  feet,  but  this  would  be  above 


the 

Pittsburtii 

• horizon. 

Mary  E.  Gabhert  Well,  No.  7. 

New 

Miltnn  ( 

listriet.  Authority, 

South  Penn  Oil 

Comjiany 

^TFJurrv 

V]J'’  Sand 

id  

220 

to 

275 

S?.lt  Sai 

1181 

i i 

1282 

Maxt('n 

Sand  

1400 

i i 

1520 

Little  in 

line 

1041 

( i 

1075 

WEST  VlltGTNTA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY  2‘j7 

envo 1(575  lf)(S5 

P>i- L5iiio 1735  1704 

liio-  Injun  Sand  (oil  show,  1845') 1704  1820 

Goi'don  Sand  2452  24(50 

Total  doptli 2480 

Uh  M.  Williams  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a lialf  west  of  north  of  Leopold  Postofhce.  Author- 
ity, Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feel. 

Pittsburg  Coal  None 

Cave  700  to  1000 

Cow  Run  Sand 1015  1060 

Salt  Sand  1310  1303 

Maxton  Sand  (water,  1738') 1730  1750 

Rig  Lime 1830  1040 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1040';  water  I960')  .1040  2032 

S<juaw  Sand 2165  “ 2185 

Gantz  Sand  2350  2362 

Gordon  Stray  2544  2552 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2564') 2564  ‘‘  2570 

Total  dei)tli 2587 

( Thirty-ha I’rel  well.) 

John  Waiistreet  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  northwest  of  Leopold  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Piltshnrg  Coal  None 

Cave  715  to  1050 

Cow  Run  Sand 1050  ‘‘  1070 

Salt  Sand  1275  ‘‘  1300 

Maxton  Sand  1570  1610 

Rig  Lime 1887  ‘‘  1.052 

Rig  Injun  Sand 1052  2047 

Gantz  Sand  (gas,  235(5') 2.346  “ 21(5(5 

Goi’don  Stray  (hai'd)  2524  2537 

Gordon  Sand  (oil  on  to]))  2530  ‘C  2547 

Total  dej)th 25(54 

(Ten  to  twenty-harrel  well.) 

L.  (r.  CJmpman  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Grove  lVstoffie(‘,  Cove  district.  Authority,  Southern  Cil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

,1800  to  1000 
.2440 


Rig  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1858')  .... 
Shells  (at  Gordon  Sand  horizon) 
Slate  and  shells  to  bottom 


2730 


OIL  AND  GAR  WELL  liECOilDR  (DODDRIDGE) 


2'.)8 

J.  -¥.  GrihUe  Well,  No.  1. 

1\vo  and  one-fourth  miles  northeast  of  St.  Clara.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

No  coal. 

Cave  200 

Cow  Run  Sand  1200  to  1220 

Salt  Sand  1300  1560 

Maxton  Sand  1614  16S4 

Rig  Lime 2000  ‘ ^ 21  (H) 

Rig  Injnii  Sand  2100  2210 

Stray  Sand 2735  “ 2740 

Gordon  Sand  • 2745  2750 

Total  depth  2770 

Charles  Fischer  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Doddridge-Lewis  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  315 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand  700 

Rig  Dnnkard  Sand  845 

Rig  Injnn  Sand 1710  to  1915 

Gantz  Sand  (oil  and  water,  2165') 2160  2186 

Christian  Albers  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Doddridge-Lewis  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil 
Company.  ^ 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsl)nrg  Coal  321 

Rig  Injnn  Sand  (show  of  oil,  1890') 173S  to  1890 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2176';  water,  2178') .... 2171  2201 

Total  de])th 2207 

James  11.  Bode  Well,  No.  1. 

Cove  district,^  three-fouths  of  a nule  northeast  of  Grove  Post- 
office.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

'OTnrry  U|)’’  Sand 341 

Cow  Run  Sand  1090  to  1115 

Salt  Sand  138(t  1452 

Maxton  Sand  1775  1825 

Rig  Lime L908  ''  2007 

Rig  Injun  Sand  2007  2111 

Sti’ay  Sand 2637  ‘‘  2647  * 

^late  2647  ‘‘  2653 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


G()i-(l()ii  Sand  (oil,  2()r)()') .... 

i ( 

2058 

Total  do])tli ■ 

2080 

James  11.  Bode 

Well,  No.  8. 

Three-fouths  of  a mile  northeast  of  Grove  Postoffice. 

Authority, 

South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Placdv  Cave  

1110 

Cow  Run  Sand  

122o 

to 

1310 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1470')  . . . . 

< ( 

1500 

IVIaxton  Sand 

1725 

i ( 

.1800 

Bis:  Lime  

l!)80 

( ( 

2040 

Rifii’  Injun  Sand 

2040 

( : 

2150 

Strav  Sand  

i ( 

2670 

Slate  

( ( 

2075 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2076  to  2080') 2075 

( 

2080 

TP.  II.  Bode  Well,  No.  1. 

Cove  district,  three-fourths  of  a 

mile  northeast  of 

Grove 

Post- 

office.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Sewicklev?)  

"'0 

to 

304 

Rig'  cave  

/ 00 

i ( 

1 040 

Cow  Run  Sand 

t . . . ! 1 10 

( ( 

1180 

. !t  Sand  

1 U;0 

1730 

A. /.ton  Sand 

< ( 

1820 

Rig  Lime 

10G) 

( ( 

1935 

Rig  Tnjnn  Sand  

1035 

Sand  (Rei'ea?)  

2100 

Stray  Sand  

( (, 

2504 

Gordon  Sand  

i ( 

257  1 

Total  de})tli 

25!:5 

'fhe  coal  at  800  feet  is  not  the  Pittsburg,  and  i 

it  AVOlO 

1 np- 

pear  to  be  close  to  the  horizon  of  the  Sewickley 

, or  Mac.. 

bed. 

John  j[.  Bode 

Well,  No.  1. 

Cove  district,  three-fourths  of  a 

mile  northeast 

of 

G rove 

Post- 

office.  Authority,  South  Peiiu  Oil  Coiupaiiy. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Rlack  cave  

1154 

Cow  Run  Sand  

1154 

to 

1224 

Coal  (Upper  Freeport?) 

1228 

1234 

Salt  Sand 

1424 

( ( 

1440 

Second  Salt  Sand  

1010 

i i 

1040 

Ma.xton  Sand  

1090 

( 1 

1750 

:{()0  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  HECOLDS  (DODDllIDGE) 

UvrJAmo ISSO  1964 

Dili’  Tnjuii  Sand 1964  2054 

Stray  Sand  2572  2592 

Slate  2592  2597 

Gordon  Sand  2597  2602 

Total  de])th 2612 

John  A.  Bode  Well,  No.  2. 

Cove  district,  throe-fourths  of  a mile  northeast  of  Grove  Post- 
office.  Authoidty,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Black  cave  1200 

Cow  linn  Sand 1300  to  1360 

Salt  Sand  1540  16.30 

Maxton  Sand  1760  1825 

BioLime 20.50  2110 

Bio- In.] nil  Sand 2110  2215 

Sand  (Berea?)  2375  2485 

Stray  Sand 2738  “ 2751 

Slate  2751  ‘‘  2754 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2755  to  2760') 2754  “ 2761 

Total  depth 2782 

E.  M.  Gaston  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  southwest  of  Kelley  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cave  500  to  800 

Cow  Rim  Saint 895  ‘‘  925 

Salt  Sand  (soft  on  top)  1250  1350 

Maxton  Sand  (little  o'as,  1.540') 1425  1475 

Big'  Lime  (hard)  1600  1660 

• Big  Tnjim  Sand  (gas,  1660') 1660  1700 

Sand  ’(Berea?)  .^ 1880  2005 

Pencil  cave 2290  2295 

Goj'don  Stray 2286  2290 

Gordon  Sand  2295  ‘‘  2297 

Total  dei)th 2500 

(Good  Injun  gas  well.) 

Jacob  Netzer  Well,  No.  1. 

Arnolds  creek,  three  miles  southwest  of  AVest  Union.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittshurg  Coal 310  to  313 

Cave ^ 590  ''  790 

Cow  Run  Sand  790  820 

Salt  Sand  1080  1155 

Salt  Sand  1305  1330 


WEST  VTKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUitVEY 


301 


I\I:ixt()j)  Sand  (oil,  14!)0') 14S0  1502 

Pt'iudl  ('ave 1005  1015 

Li-  Liiiio 1015  1702 

Li-  Injun  Sand  (i^as,  1705'  and  1705')  , . . .1702  ‘‘  1772 

Loiva?  (pool-)  1035  1900 

Total  (U;j)tli  of  well 2403 

‘Olordon  Stray”  and  (Jordon  Sand None 


Hole  lillcd  up  to  1704'  with  oil;  practically  dry  hole. 

Jlarvey  Smifli  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  and  oiie-half  miles  southwest  of  West  Union.  Authority, 
Carter  (Jil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsbnr-  Coal  410  to  413 

Cow  Run  Sand 800  820 

Salt  Sand  1200  1290 

Alaxton  Sand  1030  1642 

Li-  Lime 1060  1745 

Li-  Injun  Sand  (bh;'  -as,  1750') 1745 


In  ilarvey  Smith  well.  No.  2,  the  Pittsburg  coal  is  reported 
as  only  two  feet  thick  at  470  feet. 

L.  E.  Jones  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  northwest  of  Alorgansville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Ihttsbure'  Coal  

Cow  Run  Sand  

860 

to  885 

Sail  Sand  

060 

‘ ^ 005 

Lig  Lime 

1678 

1711 

Lig  ‘Onjnn  ” Sand 

1711 

1845 

(Jordon  Sand  

2288 

2314 

Total  de[dh 

2723 

0'5)]'nial ions  all  bniken,  no  Fifth  Sand  found.” 


Ed  Kane  Well,  No.  1. 

Tlu'ee  and  one-half  miles  northwest  of  ANest  Union.  Authority, 
Cartel*  Oil  Company. 


No  (k)al. 

Feet. 

Feel. 

to 

735 

Cow  Hun  Sand 

000 

i ( 

040 

Salt  Sand  

1200 

( i 

1400 

Lig  Lime 

1630 

i i 

1605 

Lig  Injun  Sand  

Total  depth 

1()05 

( ( 

1708 

2470 

302 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (DODDRIDGE) 


Dan  II.  Harris  Well,  No.  2. 

One  mile  and  a half  north  of  west  of  Central  Station. 
Carter  Oil  Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal  (p( 

Cave  (bad)  

Cow  Hull  Sand  . . 

Salt  Sand  

Salt  Sand  

Pencil  cave  (bad) 

Pig  Ijime 

Pig  Injun  Sand 


Authority, 


(oil  show,  1795' 


Total  depth  (shells) 


Feet. 

Feet. 

. 490 

to 

491 

. 600 

i 1 

990 

. 990 

i i 

1010 

.1300 

i ( 

1365 

.1560 

.1736 

( i 

1746 

.1746 

d 

( ( 

17'95 

.1795 

( i 

1893 

2130 

Williamson  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

Long  run,  two  miles  northwest  of  Central  Station.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  (poor)  460  to  461 

Cave  700  905 

Cow  Run  Sand 905  940 

Salt  Sand  1170  “ 1480 

Maxton  Sand  1520  1532 

Pencil  cave 1685  1700 

Pig  Lime 1700  1764 

Pig  Injun  Sand  (oil  and  gas,  1782') 1764  1864 

Total  depth 1879 

(One-barrel  well.) 


John  Chisler  Well,  No.  1. 

Three-fourths  of  a mile  southwest  of  Central  Station.  Autliority, 


Carter  Oil  Company. 


Pittsburg  Coal  not  reported,  Irut  probably  none. 


Feet. 

780 

to 

Feet. 

1060 



Cow  Run  Sand 

1060 

i i 

1080 

Sidt  Snnd  

1314 

( ( 

1459 

Maxton  Sand  

1645 

1 ( 

1683 

Pig  Lime 

1852 

( ( 

1916 

Pig  Injun  Sand  (show  oil 

and  jsas,  1975')  .191(i 

i i 

1975 

Pei-ea’Crit?  

2235 

( ( 

2280 

Cordon  Sand  (shells)  . . 
Total  depth 

2625 

3085 

(Diy.) 

file  sand  marked  Peren 

Grit  by  the  drillei’  i 

s on 

ily  260 

WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY  303 

below  tlie  Injun  Sand,  as  ai^'ainst  360  feet  for  that  interval 
along  tli('  Ohio  river  at  Enr(‘ka,  ete.,  and  hence  may  not  be  identi- 
cal witli  the  lh‘rea. 

John  Harris  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  north  of  west  of  Central  Station.  Authority,  Carter 
Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg'  Coal  None 

Cave  716  to  990 

• Cow  Rim  Sand 990  1005 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1245')  1230  1295 

• Salt  Sand  1400  1447 

Maxton  Sand  1515  1540 

Big  Lime 1727  1778 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1778  to  1786') 1778  1871 

Total  depth 1910 

(Fair  gas  well.) 

*8.  A.  Hansford  Well,  No.  1. 

On  Arnolds  creek,  four  miles  southeast  of  (Ireenwood  Postoffice. 
Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

l^ittsburg  Coal 574  to  575 

Cave' 724  1055 

Cow  Run  Sand  1055  “ 1100 

Salt  Sand  1444  1624 

Maxton  Sand  1771  1793 

B)ig  Lime 1851  l!)43 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  small,  1963  to  1978')  1935  2030 

Total  de])tb 2081 

L.  I).  Stuck  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  mih'S  south  of  Central  Station.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsbui-g  Coal  None 

Cave  800  to  1050 

Cow  Run  Sand 1105  1135 

Salt  Sand  1418  1658 

Big  Lime 1920  2000 

Big  Injun  Sand  2000  2050 

Berea?  2240  2340 

Total  de])!!] 2828 


301 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOEDS  (HAllRISON) 


B.  //.  Harris  Well,  No.  2. 

One  and  tlii'ee-l'ourths  miles  west  of  Central  Station. 
W.  II,  As])inwall,  of  tlie  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Authority. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittslinrg  Coal 

490 

to 

491 

(hive  . . . . 

000 

990 

Cow  h’nii  Sand 

990 

i i 

1010 

Salt  Sand  at  

1300 

Salt  Sand  at 

1560 

Cave  

1736 

( ( 

1746 

Pig  Lime 

1746 

( ( 

1795 

Pig  Injun  Sand 

1795 

( ( 

1893 

Perea?  (shell)  at  

2130 

Gordon  (shell)  at 

2528 

Pottom 

2552 

B.  C.  Powell  Well,  No.  1. 

One  and  three-fourths  miles  west  of  Central  Station.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company,  by  W.  II.  Aspinwall. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  (poor)  

550 

to 

552 

Cave  

700 

( ( 

1075 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1075 

( ( 

1110 

Salt  Sand  . . 

1345 

i ( 

1415 

Salt  Sand  

1575 

( ( 

1625 

Pencil  cave 

1800 

( ( 

1810 

Pig  Lime 

1810 

i i 

1866 

Pig  Injun  Sand 

1866 

( i 

1921 

W.  L.  Stines pring  Well,  No.  1. 


Two  miles  northeast  of  Oxford,  Central  district.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Com])any. 


Pittsburg  Coal  

Cow  Rim  Sand 

Salt  Saiul  

Maxtoii  Saiul  

I>ig  Lime 

Pig  Injun  Sand 

Berea?  

Total  depth  (no  Gordon) 


Feet. 

Feet. 

..  525 

to 

528 

..1027 

( ( 

1047 

..1300 

( ( 

1350 

. .1745 

( ( 

1760 

..1800 

( ( 

1880 

. .1886 

(( 

1946 

..2100 

( ( 

2160 

2655 

IIAIIUISON  COUNTY  WELL  UECOIWS. 

Harrison  county  lies  directly  east  from  Doddridge  and 
Wetzel,  and  hence  its  eastern  half  comes  within  the  zone  of  the 
State’s  productive  oil  and  gas  belt.  The  Chestnut  Ridge  arch, 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


3()r, 


a very  bold  anticlinal  rid"e,  passes  across  this  county  from  north- 
east to  southwest,  thr*ee  to  four  miles  east  from  Clarksburg,  and 
au])ears  to  liave  interrupted  the  accumulation  of  oil  and  gas  into 
pools  of  commercial  value,  since  within  the  confines  of  Harrison, 
neither  oil  nor  gas  has  been  found  in  paying  quantity  east  from 
this  uplift,  or  nearer  its  crest  than  four  to  five  miles  down  its 
western  slope.  The  oil  sands  are  found  when  the  drill  is  sent 
down,  and  they  always  contain  a little  oil  and  a little  gas,  but 
not  enough  of  either  to  prove  valuable. 

A narrow  strip  along  the  western  portion  of  Harrison,  ad- 
joining Wetzel  and  Doddridge  counties  contains  all  of  the  area 
in  which  oil  has  yet  been  produced  in  commercial  quantity,  but 
the  gas  fields  extend  10  to  15  miles  farther  to  the  east. 

The  following  records  from  Sardis  district  will  exhibit  the 
succession  of  the  rocks  in  western  Harrison,  just  east  from  the 
Wetzel  county  line : 


A.  II.  Ileldreth  Well,  No.  4. 


Two  miles  southeast  of  Folsom,  Sardis 

district. 

Authority, 

South  Penn  Oil  Conipan}^ 

(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

.1051 

to 

1055 

Dunkard  Sand  

.1550 

( ( 

1630 

Salt  Sand  

.1950 

( 1 

2030 

Big  Lime 

.2270 

i i 

2350 

Big  Injun  Sand  

.2350 

i i 

24,10 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

.2950 

i c 

2980 

Stray  Sand  (oil  shows,  3116'  and  3138') . 

.3084 

i ( 

3152 

Slate  

.3152 

( ( 

3162 

Gordon  Sand  (pay,  3180')  

.3162 

( c 

3184 

Slate  

.3184 

( ( 

3198 

Total  dej)tli  

3198 

J.  L.  Lambert  Well,  No.  2. 

Two  and  one-half  miles  southeast  of  Folsom,  Sardis  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Bluff  Saiul  755 

Pittsburg  Coal 1185  to  1191 

Little  Duiikard  Sand  1592 

Ibg  Dunkard  Sand  1(582  1762 

‘Hlas”  Sand  (Second  Cow  Run) 1930 

Salt  Sand  2105  ‘‘  2263 


3()G 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  t HARRISON) 


Maxtor!  Sand  2278 

Pencil  cave  237G 

Big  Lime 2384  2440 

Big  Injnn  Sand  2440  2540 

Fifty-foet  Sand  3042  3067 

Thirty-foot  Sand 3132  3167 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  3223') 3183  3235 

Goi’don  Sand  3258  3278 

Total  depth  3284 


(Thirty-barrel  well.) 

E.  T.  Bennett  Well,  No.  1. 

At  Alliance  Postoffice,  three  and  one-half  miles  north  of  WaUftoe, 
Sardis  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Bluff  Sand  (Waynesburg)  500 

Pittsburg  Coal 914  to  919 

Dunkard  Sand  1410  1440 

Maxton  Sand  2090 

Big  Lime 2120  2168 

Big  Injun  Sand 2185  2290 

GantzSand 2730  2760 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2770  2790 

Stray  Sand 2970  3005 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3018')  3006  ''  3044 

Total  depth 3067 


M.  E.  Heldreth  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  miles  north  of  Wallace,  Sardis  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsbui'g  Coal 908  to  912 

Dunkard  Sand 1326 

Salt  Sand  1442  1602 

Little  Lime 1937 

Pencil  cave 1946  1958 

Big  Tame 1960  2019 

Big  Injun  Sand 2019  2112 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2764  2800 

Stray  Sand  2937  ''  . 2974 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3003')  2984  3018 

Total  depth 3033 

(Fifty-barrel  well.) 


Omer  E.  Hall  Well,  No.  2. 


Two  miles  northw^est  of  Wallace,  Sardis  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.) 

Bluff  Sand  (Waynesburg) 


Feet. 
. 742 


Feet. 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


807 


Pittsburg  Coal 1153  to  1158 

Dunkard  Sand  1635  1678 

Gas  Sand  (Second  Cow  Run)  1896  1930 

Little  Lime 237t)  2380 

Pencil  cave 2380  2414 

Big  Injun  Sand 2414  ‘‘  2528 

Stray  Sand 3165  3235 

Gordon  Sand  3239  ''  3257 

Pourth  Sand  3270  3275 

Total  depth 3278 


TP.  R.  G.  Hall  Well,  No.  3. 

Two  and  one-half  miles  northwest  of  AVallace,  Sardis  diatrict. 


Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Bluff  Sand  (Waynesburg)  785  to  825 

Pittsburg  Coal  1194  “ 1199 

Dunkard  Sand  1790  1820 

Salt  Sand  2085  2220 

Maxton  Sand  2265  “ 2325 

Little  Lime  2336  2346 

Big  Lime 2396  ‘‘  2461 

Big  Injun  Sand  2461  ‘‘  2575 

Fifty-foot  Sand 3040  8065 

Thirty-foot  Sand 3130  ‘‘  3158 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  3227  to  3237') 3192  3257 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3265  to  3271') 3260  3278 

Total  depth  3299 

L.  E.  Bartlett  Well,  No.  1. 

Sardis  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  780 

Dunkard  Sand 1270  to  1370 

Gas  Sand  1550  1590 

Salt  Sand  1680  1770 

Big  Lime 2006  2054 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2054';  oil,  water,  2069'; 

show  oil,  2160') 2054  2181 

Gantz  Sand  (show  oil,  2510') 2510  2540 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2610  2650 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2866'  and  2872^) 2854  2888 

Black  sand  and  slate 2888  2893 

Sand,  Gordon 2893  2002 


L.  E.  Bartlett  Well,  No.  3. 

Sardis  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 
. 970 


Pittsburg  Coal 


308 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (HARRISON) 


Dimkard  Sand 1465  to  1510 

Gas  Sand  1550  ''  1630 

Salt  Sand  1700  1980 

Maxton  Sand  2075  2115 

Pencil  cave  2175  2180 

Big  Lime 2180  “ 2240 

Big  Injun  Sand 2240  2375 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2825  2865 

‘‘Bowlder’’  Sand  2940  “ 2960 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  3021') 2980  “ 3027 

Slate  ^ 3027  “ 3045 

Snnd,  Gordon 3045  “ 3070 

Slate  (break)  3070  “ 3077 

Sand  (Gordon)  3077  “ 3089 

Slate  3089  “ 3115 

Total  depth 3115 

In  these  wells  the  Gordon  Sand  is  split  by  a parting  of  slate 
five  feet  thick  in  No.  1 and  seven  feet  in  No.  3. 

G.  W.  Talkington  Well,  No.  6. 

Two  miles  north  of  Wallace,  Sardis  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company.. 

(Steel  line.)  . Feet.  Feet. 

Coal,  Pittsburg  995  to  1000 

Dunkard  Sand 1400  “ 1450 

Gas  Sand 1500  “ 1575 

Salt  Sand  1900  “ 1980 

Little  Lime 2100  “ 2125 

Pencil  cave 2125  “ 2130 

Big  Lime 2130  “ 2210 

Big  Injun  Sand 2210  “ 2345 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2895  “ 2920 

Stray  Sand  3025  “ 3065 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3082'  and  3091') 3075  3096 

■ James  Ogden  Well,  No.  1. 

Sardis  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  995 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 1480  to  1560 

Gas  Sand  1600  “ 1640 

Salt  Sand  1890  “ 1990 

Maxton  Sand  2120  **  2150 

Big  Lime 2200  “ 2280 

Big  Injun  Sand ....2290  “ 2390 

Gaiitz  Sand  2745  “ 2775 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2830  “ 2880 

“Bowlder”  Sand  (“ Tliirty-foot”)  2946  “ 2971 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEO^LOGICAL  SUllVEY  300 

Stray  Sand 3025  3050 

Gordon  Sand  (oil  show,  3094')  3003  “ 3103 

Total  depth  3149 

J.  L.  Lambert  Well,  No.  1. 

Sardis  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1126 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand 1520  to  1560 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand  1610  1660 

‘‘Gas’’  Sand  (Second  Cow  Run)  1800  “ 1880 

Salt  Sand  2040  “ 2120 

Pencil  cave  2310  “ 2315 

Big  Lime 2315  “ 2375 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2375  “ 2500 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2800  “ 2840 

“Bowlder”  Sand  (“Thirty-foot”) 3080  “ 3100 

Stray  Sand 3115  “ 3180 

J.  J.  Ashcraft  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  785 

Dnnkard  Sand 1280  to  1330 

Gas  Sand  1525  “ 1585 

Maxton  Sand  1932  “ 2010 

Big  Lime 2012  “ 2050 

Big  Injnn  Sand  2050  “ 2177 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2625  “ 2660 

Stray  Sand 2792  “ 2834 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2859';  oil,  2861') 2858  “ 2878 

Slate  2878  “ 2890 

Hard  shells 2890  “ 2896 

Slate  and  shells  to  bottom 2896  “ 2930 

J.  J.  Ashcraft  Well,  No.  2. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  975 

Dnnkard  Sand  1450 

Gas  Sand 1770 

Salt  Sand  1930 

Big  Lime 2115 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2270  to  2388 

Gantz  Sand  2710 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2840 

Stray  Sand 2920  “ 3045 

Slate  3045  “ 3055 

Gordon  Sand  3055  “ 3083 

Slate  to  bottom 3083  “ 3127 


310 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (HARRISON) 


T.  D.  Rogers  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  west  of  Olive,  Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.)*  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsbur;^  Coal 1053  to  1058 

Diinkard  Sand  1770  1800 

Pig  Lime 2290  ''  2350 

Big  Tnjim  Sand  2350  “ 2450 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2895  2910 

Thiitv-foot  Sand 2970  3000 

Stray  Sand.: 3040  3100 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3140  to  3147') 3129  ''  3160 

Total  depth 3160 


(Two  hundred  and  seventy-five-barrel  well.) 

W.  A.  Rogers  Well,  No.  2. 

Two  and  one-half  miles  west  of  Olive,  Sardis  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 950  to  956 

Dunkard  Sand 1450  1520 

Salt  Sand  1830  ''  1900 

Big  Lime 2200  2260 

Big  Injun  Sand 2260  2362 

Fifty-foot  Sand .2825  ' ‘ 2856 

Thirty-foot  Sand  2930  2950 

Stray  Sand 2970  3004 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3037  to  3042') 3026  3000 

Totsal  depth 3060 

Large  well. 


Marshall  Bailey  Well,  No.  1. 
Sardis  district.  Authority,  Hartman  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  295 

Maxton  Sand  1530 

Big  Injun  Sand  1660 

Gordon  Sand  2369 

Bottom 


Feet. 


to  2387  (Dry) 
2742 


Seth  Piggott  Well,  No.  1. 
Sardis  district.  Authority,  Hartman  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  622 

Pencil  cave  1860 

Big  Lime 1880  to 

Big  Injnn  Sand  1940 

Gantz  Sand 2615 


Feet. 


1940 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


311 


“Thii-ty-foot’’  Sand  

2671 

11 

2720 

“Break”  red  rock  

2724 

Gordon  Sand  

2750 

it 

2780 

Fourth  Sand  

2782 

u 

2806 

Fifth  Sand 

2839 

( ( 

2845 

' J.  L.  Swiger  Well,  No.  1. 

Laurel  run,  one  mile  and  a half  northeast  of  Brown.  Authority, 
Hartman  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Bluff  Sand  (TVaynesburg) 140  to  160 

Pittsburg  Coal  558 

Dunkard  Sand 1075 

Gas  Sand  1356  ''  1470 

Salt  Sand  1500  1640 

Rig  Injun  Sand 1855  ''  1965 

Gantz  Sand 2445  ''  247C 

Gordon  Sand  2682  ''  2694 

Gordon  Sand  2717  2733 

Fourth  Sand  2773  2780 

Sand,  hard  3218  3225 

Bottom  3635 


This  well  was  drilled  to  3,077  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal, 
and  should  have  penetrated  the  Speechley  Sand  horizon  at  that 
depth,  since  it  comes  at  860  feet  below  the  Fourth  Sand  of  the 
Venango  series,  which  was  struck  here  at  2,159  feet  below  the 
Pittsburg  bed. 


Felix  Coffmafi  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  northeast  of  Sedalia,  near  Doddridge-IIarrison  line. 
Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  . 865  to  875 

Cow  Run  Sand 1400  1425 

Salt  Sand  1600  ''  1700 

IMaxton  Sand  ^1940  * 2045 

Big  Lime 2120  ''  2180 

Big  Injun  Sand 2180  2270 

Berea?  2625  ''  2637 

Pencil  cave 2875  2890 

Gordon  Stray  (gas,  2920') 2890  “ 2928 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2940')  2935  ''  2945 

Total  depth 2972 

‘‘Good  gas  well.^’ 


312 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOKDS  (HAIUIISON) 


Milton  Davis  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Harrison  and  Doddridge  line.  Authority  South  Perm  Oil 
Company: 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1175 

Dimkard  Sand 1600  to  1650 

Salt  Sand  2045  2095 

Big  Lime  ...2458  ‘‘  2518 

Big  Injnn  Sand  2518  2621 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  .3247')  3245  “ 3262 

Slate  3262  3286 

Sand,  Gordon 3286  “ 3302 

Slate  to  bottom 3302  “ 3343 

E.  V.  Smith  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  and  one-fourth  miles  southeast  of  Sedalia,  near  Doddridge 
line,  Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 
(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  1088  to  1093 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand  1493  “ 1530 

Big  Dimkard  Sand  1628  1670 

Maxton  Sand  2250  “ 2300 

Big  Lime 23.31  2390 

Big  Injun  Sand  2390  2496 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2960  3000 

Stray  Sand 3098  3122 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3151')  3148  “ 3172 

Total  depth 3427 

S.  C.  Barnes  Well,  No.  1. 

Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 955  to  961 

Big  Dimkard  Sand 1495  1540 

Salt  Sand  2000  2085 

Big  Lime 2245  ''  2305 

Big  Injun  Sand 2305  2360 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2820  ‘‘  2850 

‘^Thirty-foot”  Sand  2900  “ 2935 

Sand,  Stray  2988  “ 3009 

Slate  3009  “ 3024 

Sand,  Gordon  (oil,  3026') 3024  “ 3044 

T.  C.  Bennett  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Companj^ 

Feet.  Feet. 

Bluff  Sand  (Waynesburg)  555  to  590 

Mapletown  Coal  (Sewickley)  804  “ 808 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


313 


Pit tsbn  1*12:  t^onl  

924 

C ( 

934 

Sand,  Coiinellsville 

1050 

( i 

1080 

Red  roc'k  

1080 

i ( 

1330 

I>ig  Dimkard  Sand 

( i 

1500 

Gas  Sand  

1715 

( ( 

1750 

Salt  Sand  

1850 

i i 

1885 

Maxton  Sand  

1990 

( ( 

2040 

Little  Lime 

2100 

1 ( 

2120 

I»i^  Lime 

2200 

( ( 

2232 

Hi^  Injnn  Sand  

2232 

( ( 

2332 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

2820 

( ( 

2830 

Stray  Sand  

2943 

{ ( 

2986 

Slate  

2986 

( ( 

3000 

(Gordon)  Sand  

3000 

( ( 

3042 

Slate  to  bottom 

3042 

( ( 

3083 

T.  C.  Bennett  Well, 

No.  3. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

1012 

( { 

1020 

Little  Dimkard  Sand  

1410 

( ( 

1450 

Big  Dimkard  Sand 

1520 

1 1 

1600 

Sand  and  slate 

1750 

1 1 

2275 

Big  Lime 

2275 

i i 

2310 

Big  Injnn  Sand  

2310 

1 ( 

2415 

Gantz  and  Fifty-foot  (gas,  2880') . . . 

2870 

( < 

2910 

Red  ro('k  

3035 

( ( 

3040 

Sand  (Stray)  

3058 

( ( 

3070 

Red  rock 

3078 

i ( 

3080 

Slate  

3080 

i 1 

3094 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3098') 

3094 

1 ( 

3117 

Slate  to  bottom 

3117 

( ( 

3165 

A.  F.  Dennison  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  and  one-half  miles  northeast  of  Salem,  Ten  Mile  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Conii)any. 


(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

l^ittsbnrg  Coal  

930 

to 

935 

Dimkard  Sand  

1410 

( ( 

1450 

Gas  Sand  

1670 

( i 

1700 

Big  Lime 

2150 

( ( 

2205 

Big  Injnn  Sand 

2205 

( c 

2300 

Fifty-foot  Sand  

2750 

( ( 

2778 

Thirty-foot  Sand 

2850 

( ( 

2875 

Stray  Sand 

2900 

( ( 

2960 

Gordon  Sand  

2997 

i ( 

3029 

Total  depth  

3324 

(Dry  hole.) 


314 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (HARRISON) 


J.  W.  Williams  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  miles  north  of  Salem.  Authority,  United  States  Oil  Corn- 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 710 

Big  Injun  Sand  

.2010 

(Gas,  2560',  probably  in  Gantz  or  Fifty- 

foot.) 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2786') 

.2786 

to 

2810 

J.  W.  Williams  Well  No.^ 

2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 825 

Big  Injim  Sand 

.2115 

Fifty-foot  Sand  (gas)  

.2677 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2897') 

.2886 

to 

2907 

J.  W.  Williams  Well  No. 

6. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 890 

‘‘Thirty-foot”  Sand  (gas)  

.2825 

Stray  Sand  (oil)  

.2941 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2971')  

.2968 

to 

2992 

lAither  Haymond  Well  No.  1. 

Three  and  one-half  miles  northeast  of  Salem.  Ten  Mile  District. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsbiirs:  Coal 1215  to  1220 

Dunkard  Sand  1735  1750 

Salt  Sand  2005  2100 

Pencil  cave 2445  2450 

Big  Lime 2450  2525 

Big  Injun  Sand  2525  2620 

Fif tv-foot  Sand  3180  3210 

Sand  ‘ Thirtv-foot ; ^ ’ show  of  oil, 3257') . 3257  ' ' 3273 

Slate  3273  ''  3299 

Sand  (Gordon  ; oil,  3300') 3299  3318 

Slate  and  sheila  to  bottom ; 3318  3609 

Luther  Haymond  Well  No.  6. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 1065  to  1071 

Dnnkard  Sand  * 1615  1700 

Salt  Sand  2065  2175 

Big  Lime 2320  2380 

Big  Injim  Sand 2380  ‘‘  2450 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2915  2957 

Thirty-foot”  Sand  3027  3060 

Stray  Sand 3075  3115 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GE01^)GICAL  SUllVEY  315 

Gordon  Snnd  3130 

Total  depth 3151 

Luther  Jlaymond  Well  No.  16. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 900  to  905 

Salt  Sand  1750  “ 1810 

Rig  Injun  Sand  2212  2290 

Stray  Sand  2923  2941 

Gordon  Sand  (‘‘pay/’  2960  to  2960-9') . .2957  “ 2975 

Total  depth 3060 

J.  Lough  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  northwest  of  Marshville.  Authority,  Gartlan  Drill- 
ing Co. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Bluff  Sand  (Waynesbnrg)  500  to  550 

Pittsburg  Coal  935  “ 940 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 1310  “ 1400 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1430  “ 1460 

Salt  Sand  1760  “ 1875 

Maxton  Sand  2120  “ 2145 

Little  Lime 2160  “ 2180 

Pencil  cave 2180  “ 2195 

Big  Lime 2195  “ 2260 

Big  Injun  Sand  2260  “ 2345 

“Fifty-foot  Sand  (gas,  2805  to  2820') . . . .2805  “ 2825 

‘ ‘ Thirty-foot  ’ ’ Sand 2900  ‘ ‘ 2920 

Gordon  Stray  Sand  2975  “ 2990 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3021') 3005  “ 3038 

Total  depth  3038 

Forty-barrel  well. 

E.  Thompson  Well  No.  1. 

On  Jacobs  Run  near  Salem.  Authority,  Star  Oil  and  Oas  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  Pittsburg  : 814  to  820 

Dunkard  Sand  1250  “ 1295 

Second  Dunkard  Sand 1345  “ 1395 

Salt  Sand  1685  “ 1850 

Maxton  Sand  1950  “ 2020 

Little  Lime 2055  “ 2073 

Pencil  cave 2073  “ 2100 

Big  Lime 2100  “ 2157 

Rig  Injun  Sand  (oil,  gas  and  water  2163')  2157  “ 2235 

Berea  Grit  2548  “ 2558 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2668  “ 2680 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand  (gas,  2765') 2760  “ 2780 


310 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOllDS  (HAliKISON) 


2cS45 

2886 

2886 


Gordon  Stray  (j^as,  2832')  2830 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2873  to  2880') 2870 

Total  de]>th  


‘^Fifty-barrel  oil  well  and  fair  gas  well.” 

Martha  Frough  Well  No.  1. 

Ill  Salem.  Authority  Gartlan  Drilling  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Washington)  

. 230 

to 

234 

Bluff  Sand  (Wavnesburg)  

. 440 

i ( 

475 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 780 

( ( 

786 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 

.1240 

i ( 

1265 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

.1305 

( i 

1330 

Maxton  Sand  

,.1950 

( ( 

2020 

Little  Lime 

,.2050 

( ( 

2072 

Pencil  cave  

.2072 

( ( 

2080 

Big  Lime 

.2080 

( ( 

2135 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.2135 

it 

2220 

Berea  Grit  

.2510 

1 ( 

2524 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

.2626 

i ( 

2657 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand 

.2700 

( ( 

2715 

Gordon  Stray  Sand 

.2790 

(( 

2815 

Gordon  Sand  (gas  and  oil,  2850  to  2860') 
Total  depth 

.2847 

(( 

2864 

2868 

“Well  shot  with  50  quarts;  filled  np  100  feet  with  oil  in  three 
hours;  probably  about  four  to  six-barrel  well.” 

Samuel  Gain  Well  No.  1. 

One  mile  southwest  of  Salem.  Ten  Mile  District.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal 1020  to  1028 

Dunkard  Sand  1550  “ 1581 

Salt  Sand  1840  “ 1950 

Big  Lime 2270  “ 2330 

Big  Tnjnn  Sand  2330  “ 2450 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2843  “ 2893 

“Thirty-foot”  Sand 2953  “ 2970 

Goi'don  Stray  (gas,  3030') 3027  “ 304^ 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3077') 3073  “ 3083 

Total  dej)tli 3433 


In  the  vicinity  of  Cherry  Camp  a well  was  drilled  by  Des- 
pard  and  Comi)any,  and  the  record  kept  with  much  detail  by  Mr. 
C.  P.  Despard  of  Clarksburg,  a copy  of  which  reads  as  follows : 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUEVEY 


317 


' Rohinson  Well  No.  1. 

On  Enceoon  Run,  near  Cherry  Camp.  Authority,  Chas.  Des- 
pa rd  et  al. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cendiictor 



....  0 

to 

10 

1i(m1  slate 

....  90 

1 ( 

100 

Fire  elav 

....  4 

i 1 

104 

Soapstone  

17 

1 ( 

121 

Red  shale  

....  IS 

( ( 

139 

Red  sand 

2 

141 

Red  shale  

....  3 

( i 

144 

IRack  shale 

. . ..  6 

( ( 

150 

Washington  Coal  

....  2 

( ( 

152 

Black  shale  

....  8 

( ( 

160 

Blue  shale 

....  32 

It 

192 

White  sand 

31 

i c 

223 

Blue  shale  

....  7 

i i 

230 

Dark  shale  

....  7 

i i 

237 

Coal  (Waynesburg  “ A”)  • • • • 

....  2 

1 1 

239 

Shale,  red  

....  11 

i t 

250 

White  sand 

....  12 

t i 

262 

Red  rock  

....  20 

t i 

282 

Blue  shale 

....  30 

f i 

312 

White  sand 

25 

1 1 

337 

Red  shale  

....  30 

f f 

367 

Blue  shale 

54 

i i 

421 

Black  shale  

....  10 

i i 

431 

Coal  (Uniontown)  

9 

t i 

433 

Blue  shale 

....  23 

i i 

456 

Red  shale  

....  10 

1 1 

466 

Variegated  shale  

....  70 

1 1 

536 

Lime 

....  35 

1 1 

571 

Blue  shale 

....  30 

< { 

601 

Sand  

....  25 

i i 

620 

Brown  shale 

....  08 

i t 

694 

Coal  (Redstone)  

3 

i t 

097 

Blue  shale 

....  19 

1 1 

716 

Pittsburg  Coal,  top  at  720'. . . 

6 

i i 

726 

Blue  shale 

. . . 104 

1 1 

830 

Gray  Sand  

....  15 

1 1 

845 

Red  shale  

....  43 

t i 

888 

IRue  shale 

....  46 

i i 

934 

Red  rock  

....  50 

1 1 

984 

IRue  shale 

....  85 

t c 

1069 

White  sand  (I)unkard)  

....  30 

i t 

1099 

Black  shale 

....  35 

1 1 

1134 

Blue  shale  

....  135 

i i 

1269 

318 


OIL  i.ND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (HAKKISON; 


Lime 22  1291 

Black  slate  77  1368 

Dark  sand 80  1448 

Bine  slate  40  1488 

Black  slate  60  1548 

Salt  Sand,  brown 115  1663 

Bine  slate  35  1698 

Black  slate  60  1758 

Lime  40  ‘‘  1798 

Slate  7 1805 

Lime  23  ''  1828 

Red  rock 40  1868 

Lime  15  1883 

Gray  sand 17  1900 

Pencil  cave 4 1904 

Little  Lime  and  Big  Lime  (unrecorded) . . 132  2036 

Big  Injun,  top,  2036' 174  2200 

Blue  slate  70  2270 

Sandy  slate 70  2340 

Slate  and  shells 50  2390 

Blue  slate  90  ‘G  2480 

Brown  sand  25  2505 

White  slate 83  2588 

White  sand,  Berea  Grit  (Gantz) 15  2603 

Blue  slate  9 2612 

White  sand 6 2618 

White  slate 32  2650 

Blue  slate  20  2670 

Hard  sand  25  2695 

Sand  and  shale  40  2735 

Gray  sand  (‘^Thirty-foot”)  15  “ 2750 

Red  sand 25  “ 2775 

Slate  13  “ 2778 

Gordon  Sand  (top,  2808') 35  “ 2823 

Blue  shale 69  “ 2892 

White  Sand  (Fourth)  6 “ 2898 

Blue  shale 104  “ 3002 

Dark  sand  and  shale  (5th  Sand) . 5 “ 3007 

Shale  25  “ 3032 

Total  depth 3146 

(Dry  hole.) 

Some  of  the  nijeasurements  as  noted  in  the  record  do  not 
correspond  with  the  footings  as  added  up  in  detail,  but  the  dis- 
crepancy is  slight  and  probably  due  to  nieasurenients  with  steel 
line  at  important  horizons.  The  “L/ittle  Lime”  which  belongs 
just  under  the  Maxton  Sand,  and  also  the  '‘Big  Lime’’  which 
comes  on  toi)  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  a total  thickness  of  132  feet 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


319 


of  measures  have  by  inadvertency  been  dropped  from  the  drill- 
er’s “lo"”,  but  the  omission  is  corrected  by  his  noting  the  depth 
to  the  top  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand. 

A M^ell  marked  anticlinal  uplift  passes  into  Harrison  county 
from  Marion  near  Sturms  Mill  on  Big  Bingamon  creek,  and  con- 
tinuing on  southwestward  crosses  main  Ten  Mile  creek  near  Sar- 
dis, and  the  B.  & 0.  R.  R.  half-way  between  Wilsonburg  and 
Wolf  Summit,  and  on  southwestward  east  from  Jarvisville.  On 
the  western  slope  of  this  arch  (which  has  been  termed  the  Wolf 
Summit  Anticlinal),  the  dip  is  very  rapid — 200  to  250  feet  to  the 
mile,  but  eastward  the  dip  is  gentle,  and  the  rocks  do  not  descend 
^ore  than  75  to  100  feet.  Along  the  crest  of  this  arch  and  east- 
ward to  the  vicinity  of  Clarksburg  where  the  strata  again  begin 
to  rise  eastward  on  the  western  slopes  of  the  great  Chestnut 
Ridge  arch,  we  find  one  continuous  gas  field  extending  on  south- 
w^estward  across  Harrison  and  into  Lewis  where  it  over-rides  even 
the  Chestnut  Ridge  anticlinal  (much  reduced  in  altitude  south- 
westward)  in  the  vicinity  of  Weston  where  we  find  the  largest 
gas  wells  in  the  State.  On  the  western  slope  of  the  Wolf  Summit 
arch,  and  about  two  miles  northwest  from  its  crest  a fine  oil  pool 
has  been  developed  in  the  same  sand  which  holds  the  gas  to  the 
east.  This  sand  comes  at  2300  to  2310  feet  below  the  Pittsburg 
coal,  and  the  writer  has  identified  it  with  the  Fifth  or  McDonald 
Oil  Sand  of  the  Pennsylvania  series,  and  the  oil  fraternity  uses 
the  same  term  for  its  designation.  Tlis  Fifth  Sand  pool  is  not 
wide  (only  2000  to  2500  feet)  since  it  occurs  half  way  down  the 
steeply  dipi)ing  western  slope  of  the  Wolf  Summit  anticline  where 
the  elevation  of  the  oil  sand  descends  about  100  feet  between  tlie 
eastern  and  western  edges  of  the  pool. 

The  following  records  cover  the  region  where  this  Fifth 
Sand  is  productive  of  either  oil  or  gfis  and  will  serve  to  show  its 
relation  to  the  higher  measures : 

Dorothy  Young  Well,  No.  1. 

Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  C.  G.  Elliott,  of  the  Fearless  Oil 
Company,  Sistersville,  W.  Va. 


Coal  (Washington) 


Foet. 

. 45 


Feet. 


320 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (HARRISON) 


Coal  (Uniontown)  360 

Mapletown  Coal  (Sewickley)  560 

Pittsburg  Coal  640 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1200 

^‘Blue  Monday”  (Maxton  Sand)  gas.... 1940  to  1960 

Pencil  cave  1960 

Big  Lime 1970 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2100') 2030  ‘‘  2140 

Fifty-foot  Sand  (gas)  2465 

Stray  Sand  (gas)  2655  ‘‘  2710 

Gordon  Sand  (strong  gas)  2723  ‘‘  2755 

Fifth  Sand  (oil,  small) .2935  2940 

Total  depth 2950 

‘‘Oil  filled  up  160  feet  in  one  hour.” 

G.  W.  Albright  Well,  No.  1. 

Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 696  to  703 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 1222  “ 1327 

Salt  Sand  1620  “ 1670 

Big  Lime 2049  “ 2130 

Big  Injun  Sand 2135  “ 2200 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2585  “ 2610 

Stray  Sand  (oil  show,  2805') 2790  “ 2825 

Gordon  Sand  (heavv  gas)  2840 

Fifth  Sand  (oil  shJw) 3033  “ 3039 

G.  W.  Albright  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  695  to  702 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1245  “ 1297 

Gas  Sand  1425  “ 1495 

Salt  Sand  1690  “ 1784 

Maxton  Sand 1910  “ 1995 

Little  Lime 2000  “ 2012 

Big  Lime 2025  “ 2098 

Big  Injun  Sand 2098  “ 2175 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2585  “ 2615 

Stray  Sand  (oil  show,  2743') 2737  “ 2769 

Gordon  Sand  2784  “ 2815 

Fifth  Sand  (oil)  3002  “ 3009 

G.  W.  Albright  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 750  to  758 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1090  “ 1120 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1285  “ 1335 

Maxton  Sand  (water,  1933') 1930  “ 2015 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


321 


Red  rock 

2090 

Big  Lime 

2100 

i c 

2T90 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2190 

( 1 

2240 

Berea  

2510 

( i 

2550 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

2635 

Thirty-foot  Sand 

2720 

( 1 

2755 

Stray  Sand  

2795 

( ( 

2845 

Gordon  Sand  

2855 

( ( 

2900 

Fifth  Sand  (oil) 

3055 

i i 

3061 

The  driller  has  identified  with  the  Berea  Grit  of  Ohio,  a sand 
which  was  struck  at  1752  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  125 
feet  above  the  Fifty-Foot  Sand.  Each  of  these  three  records  re- 
veals something  not  given  in  the  other  two. 

J.  M.  Fultz  Well,  No.  4. 

Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 463  to 

Dunkard  Sand • 1024 

Salt  Sand  1400 

Big  Lime  1797  ‘‘ 

Big  Injun  Sand 1870 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2352  ‘ ^ 

Stray  Sand 2478 

Gordon  Sand  2521 

Fifth  Sand  2761 

Total  depth 2791 

J.  M.  Fultz  Well,  No.  6. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 700  to 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1075 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1215  ‘ ‘ 

Maxton  Sand  1968 

Big  Lime 2048  ‘ ' 

Big  Injun  Sand 2130 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2588 

Stray  Sand 2705 

Gordon  Sand  2800 

Fifth  Sand  3008 

Total  depth 


L.  J.  Ayers  Well,  No.  1. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal 755  to 

Gas  Sand  (show  oil) 

Maxton  Sand  2025 

Big  Injun  Sand 2200  ‘‘ 


Feet. 

469 

1052 

1440 

1870 

1942 

2378 

2500 

2548 

2773 


Feet. 

706 

1305 

2020 

2130 

2218 

2620 


3015 

3028 


Feet. 

761 

1455 

2080 

2280 


322  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (HARRISON) 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2690  ''  2702 

Stray,  Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2'^GO') 2830  2890 

Fourth  Sand 2900  2940 

Fifth  Sand  (oil  in  top) 3050  3056 

B.  F.  Bonner  Well,  f.’j.  1. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 745  to  750 

Gas  Sand 1590  1645 

Big  Lime 2120  2190 

Big  Injun  Sand  . 2190  ''  2320 

Stray  and  Gordon  Sands 2782  2855 

Fifth  Sand  3017  ''  3022 

Total  depth  3045 

B.  F.  Bonner  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  720  to  726 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 1220  1250 

Big  Lime 2125  2195 

Big  Injun  Sand 2195  2300 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2690  2710 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  2780')  2765  2785 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2795') 2790  ''  2810 

Fifth  Sand  3017  3028 

B.  W.  Cunningham  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  696  to  702 

Big  Lime 2066  ''  2500 

Big  Injun  Sand 2100  2180 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2670  2700 

Stray  Sand 2741  2780 

Gordon  Sand  ‘ 2794  ''  2830 

Fifth  Sand  (oil)  2989  2994 

L.  E.  Barnett  Well,  No.  1.  ^ 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  478 

Dunkard  Sand 900 

Big  Injun  Sand 1925  to  1960 

Stray  Sand  (gas)  2560  2580 

Fiftli  Sand  (oil  and  gas,  2780') 2778  2786 

Bottom  2800 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


Genius  Fayne  Well,  No.  2. 
Authority,  South  Periii  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

490 

Big  Injun  Stuid 

1900 

Strav  Sand 

2609 

Gordon  Sand  

2620 

t®  2654 

Fourth  Sand 

2704 

Fiftii  Sand  

2825 

Total  depth 

2909 

A.  C.  Bailey  Well,  No.  1. 


Teu  Mile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

1145 

to 

1150 

Dunkard  Sand 

1630 

( ( 

1640 

Salt  Sand  

1985 

(( 

2100 

Pencil  cave 

2490 

( i 

2498 

Big  Lime  

2498 

{ t 

2560 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2560 

i i 

2630 

Fifty-foot  Sand  

3065 

( ( 

3085 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  3175') 

3175 

ct 

3184 

Slate  

3184 

( ( 

3224 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  3230') 

3224 

( i 

3243 

Slate  

3243 

( ( 

3253 

Lime  

3253 

i ( 

3268 

Sand  and  shells 

3268 

( ( 

3288 

Slate  

3288 

{ ( 

3399 

Lime  and  shells 

3399 

i i 

3403 

Slate  

3403 

( i 

3411 

Fifth  Sand  

3411 

i i 

3415 

Slate  to  bottom 

3415 

i i 

3483 

In  some  portions  of  this  Fifth  Sand  belt  of 

oil  and  gas  the 

producing  stratum  appears  to  shift  down  to  an  interval  of  40  to 
50  feet  more  below  the  Pittsburg  coal  than  the  average  (2310 
feet)  but  whether  this  is  due  to  the  drillers  identifying  the  Red- 
stone coal,  40  to  50  feet  above  the  Pittsburg  bed,  with  the  latter 
stratum,  or  whether  the  producing  sand  shifts  down  to  the  Bay- 
ard horizon  is  not  yet  certainly  known,  llie  records  of  wells 
north  from  the  B.  & 0.  R.  K.  exhibit  this  greater  in-terval  as 
follows : 

C.  L.  Griffith  Well,  No.  4. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

. 300  to  307 


Pittsburg  Coal. 


324  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (HARRISON) 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 800  850 

Gas  Sand 900  940 

Salt  Sand  1050  1130 

Big  Lime 1660  1740 

Big  Injun  Sand 1740  1815 

Fifty-foot  Sand 21*15  2245 

Stray  and  Gordon  Sands 2340  2470 

Fourth  Sand 2490  2515 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?)  2670  2678 

Total  depth  2719 

R.  A.  Flowers  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  South  Pehn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 300  to  306 

Big  Lime 1645  1722 

Big  Injun  Sand 1725  1815 

Fourth  Sand 2535  ‘‘  2560 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?)  2660  2664 

R.  A.  Flowers  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 600  to  605 

Dunkard  Sand 1100  “ 1120 

Salt  Sand  1570  ‘‘  1620 

Big  Lime 1944  ‘‘  2025 

Big  Injun  Sand 2025  2080 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2531  2562 

Gordon  Sand  2735  2750 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?)  2963  “ 2972 

R.  S.  Davisson  Well,  No.  1. 

Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Redstone  coal  ’ 250 

Pittsburg  Coal 278  to  286 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 667  ‘‘  750 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  790  820 

Red  rock 1465  1550 

Maxton  Sand  (little  gas) 1550  ‘‘  1645 

Big  Lime 1650  ‘‘  1725 

Big  Injun  Sand  1725  “ 1785 

Fifty-foot  Sand * 2245  2275 

Stray  Sand 2335  2360 

Gordon  Sand  2375,  2530 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?) 2660  2666 

Total  depth 2687 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


I).  Bomjliner  Well,  No.  1. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg'  Coal 

. . 500 

to 

505 

Big  Diiiikard  Sand 

..1030 

( ( 

1095 

Big’  Lime 

..1865 

( ( 

1920 

Big  Injun  Sand 

..1920 

( ( 

2000 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

. .2425 

i c 

2455 

Gordon  Sand  

. .2630 

t ( 

2700 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?)  

..2867 

i ( 

2879 

Martha  Smith  Well,  No. 

3. 

Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. 470 

to 

475 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

. . 970 

( ( 

1000 

Salt  Sand  . 

,.1500 

( i 

1525 

Big  Lime 

, .1831 

1 1 

1908 

Big  Injun  Sand 

,.1908 

( ( 

1960 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

..2415 

( ( 

2440 

Gordon  Sand  

,.2637 

( ( 

2677 

Fourth  Sand 

, .2683 

ii 

2698 

Fifth  Sand  

Total  depth 

,.2831 

2860 

Amos  Carter  Well,  No. 

5. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. 575 

to 

580 

\ Cow  Hun  Sand 

( i 

1125 

Gas  Sand  

.1280 

i < 

1360 

Salt  Sand  

.1530 

1 i 

1580 

Maxton  Sand  

.1825 

( { 

1900 

Big  Lime 

.1900 

( ( 

1980 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1980 

( t 

2040 

Fifty-foot  Sand  

.2565 

( ( 

2575 

Gordon  Sand  ' 

.2720 

( ( 

2780 

Fifth  Sand  

.2922 

( 1 

2928 

Total  depth 

3000 

J ohii  Flaherty  W ell.  No. 

1. 

Ten  Mile  distriet.  Authority,  SoufN  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. 418 

to 

423 

Dunkard  Sand  

. 950 

< ( 

990 

Maxton  Sand 

.1720 

t i 

1780 

Big  Lime 

.1780 

i 1 

1830 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1840 

1 1 

1910 

Thirty-foot  Sand  

.2430 

( ( 

2500 

OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOJiDS  (HARRISON) 


32() 


Foiirtli  Rand 2588  2030 

Fifth  Rand  2824  2832 

Bottom 2-844 

B.  11.  Brown  Well,  No.  12. 

Ten  IMile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsbnre:  Coal 

400 

to 

408 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand 

920 

i i 

1040 

Gas  Sand  

1100 

( ( 

1180 

Salt  Sand  

1320 

1 ( 

1400 

Maxton  Sand 

1680 

1 ( 

1760 

Big  Lime 

1770 

e ( 

1830 

Big  Injan  Sand 

1830 

( ( 

1920 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

2330 

1 1 

2370 

^ ^ Thirty-foot  ’ ’ Sand  

2460 

( ( 

2475 

Gordon  Stray  

2480 

i c 

2500 

Gordon  Sand  

2515 

1 1 

2575 

Fourth  Sand  to  bottom 

2610 

B.  H.  Brown  Well,  No.  13. 

Ten  Mile  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company, 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

195 

to 

198 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand  

700 

i ( 

750 

Maxton  Sand  

1510 

i { 

1550 

Big  Lime 

1550 

( < 

1590 

Big  Injnn  Sand 

1590 

( ( 

1640 

Fiftv-foot  Sand  

2145 

( ( 

2160 

Thirty-foot  Sand 

2265 

( 1 

2275 

Gordon  Sand  

( ( 

2367 

Fourth  Sand 

2397 

Fifth  Sand  

2560 

( ( 

2568 

Total  dej)th 

2578 

Edith  Starkey  Well,  No.  1. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

Big  Tnjnn  Sand,  top 

1787 

332 

First  pay  

1792 

Stray  Sand,  top 

2420 

®ordoa  Sand 

2430 

to  2450 

Fourth  Sand 

Fifth  Sand  

2638 

2645 

Total  depth  

2677 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


327 


Uenry  Brown  Well,  No.  1. 

Sardis  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 414  to  420 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 815  875 

Red  rock 1580  1720 

Little  Lime 1727  1750 

Big  Lime 1760  1856 

Big  Injun  Sand 1856  1912 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2375  2400 

Stray  Sand 2440  ''  2500 

Gordon  Sand  2503  2625 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?)  oil 2797  ''  2803 

Bottom * 2828 

A.  J.  Strother  Well,  No.  1. 

Sardis  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 325  to  332 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  844  914 

Salt  Sand  1312  1397 

Big  Lime 1690  1756 

Big  Injun  Sand 1756  1831 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2267  2287 

Gordon  Sand  2410  2546 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?)  oil 2710  2720 

Total  depth  2725 

Quintilla  Boggess  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  west  of  Lumberport,  Eagle  district.  Authority,  South 

Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 325  to  355 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 435  490 

Gas  Sand  645  724 

Salt  Sand  745  • 945 

Little  Lime 1285  1300 

Pencil  cave 1300  “ 1305 

Big  Lime 1305  1360 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1380') 1360  1380 

Fifty-foot  Sand  1850  ''  1900 

Stray  Sand 1925  1955 

Gordon  Sand  1975  2115 

Fourth  Sand  (gas,  2165') 2135  2190 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?)  (gas,  2317') 2315  2320 

Total  depth  2347 

(Gas  well).  This  well  begins  about  70  feet  below  the  Pittsburg 

coal. 


328 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (HARRISON) 


James  Coffman  Well,  No.  1. 

Head  of  Cunningham  Run.  Authority,  Mr.  Guthrie,  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Fairmont  and  Grafton  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  97 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1520') 1516  to  1558 

Berea  Sand,  grayish  white  (gsa,  1852')..  1850  1852 

Fifty-foot  Sand  (shells)  1968 

Fourth  Sand  2305  2321 

Fifth  Sand  None 

Bayard  Sand  (gas,  2480') 2478  2485 

“Sand  dark  and  full  of  white  pebbles.  Drilled  to  2808  feet, 
but  found  no  more  sand  below  the  Bayard.  The  formation  was 
composed  of  white  and  black  slate  and  a few  thin  limy  shells. 
Small  gas  well,  good  for  a million  feet.” 

Robert  W.  Coon  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  north  of  Clarksburg,  on  Jack’s  Run.  Authority, 
Thomas  D.  Shaffer,  Superintendent  of  the  Mandell  Oil  and  Gas 
Company.  Pittsburg  coal  25  feet  above  derrick  floor. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Ijimestone  20  to  94 

Coal  94  96 

Slate  96  115 

Limestone  115  ^ ‘ 206 

Slate  206  213 

Coal  (Elk  Lick)  213  219 

Slate  219  “ 280 

Lime  280  “ 340 

Sand  340  “ 375 

Lime  375  390 

Coal  (Bakerstown)  390  “ 396 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  396  480 

Water  and. black  oil 410 

Slate  480  515 

Coal  (Upper  Freeport)  515  518 

Slate  518  545 

Sand 545  “ 690 

Slate  690  “ 710 

Coal  (Kittanning)  710  712 

Slate  712  “ 748 

Salt  Sand  (water,  786'  and  805') 748  “ 835 

Slate  835  847 

Lime  847  860 

Salt  Sand,  base  (water,  870') 860  940 

Slate  940  “ 980 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


Lime  OcSO  1015 

Sand,  (IMaxton?) 1015  1000 

Lime  1000  1120 

Slate  1120  ‘‘  1165 

Ked  ro('k  1165  1360 

Slate  1360  1305 

Pencil  cave 1395  ‘‘  1405 

P>ig  Lime  1405  1460 

I>ii>:  Injun  Sand 1460  1570 

Slate  1570  1582 

Lime  shells 1582  ''  1592 

Red  rock  1592  1597 

Lime  1597  1650 

Slate  1650  1690 

Sand  1690  1708 

Lime  1708  1740 

Slate  1740  1810 

Berea  Grit?  (Gantz)  1810  1820 

Lime  shells 1820  1880 

Slate  1880  “ 1915 

Fifty-foot  Sand 1915  1970 

Slate  1970  ‘‘  1985 

Sand  (^^Thirty-foot’’)  1985  2070 

Red  rock 2070  2073 

Sand  Stray”)  2073  2110 

Slate  2110  2115 

Sand  (Gordon)  2115  2160 

Red  rock 2160  2180 

Lime  shells  2180  2210 

Red  rock,  slate  and  shells 2210  ‘‘  2300 

Sand  (Fourth)  2300  2320 

Slate  2320  2355 

Sand  (Fifth  ; o-as,  2360') 2355  ‘ ‘ 2370 

Slate  and  shell 2370  2430 

Bayard  Sand  2430  “ 2470 

Gas  (small  g'as)  2435 

Oil  (two-bai'rel)  24(52 

Total  de}>tli  2523 


Casing*-  record — Ten-inch,  lt)6  feet;  8-’inch,  940  feet;  6%-inch, 
1575  feet. 

N.  M.  Talbott  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  north  of  Clarksburg’,  and  1000  feet  east  of  R.  W.  Coon 
Well,  No.  1.  Authority,  Thomas  D.  Shaffer. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  

415 

to 

500 

Salt  Sand  

765 

i ( 

850 

Big  Lime 

1420 

( ( 

1480 

330  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOllDS  (HAllIlISON) 

Bii?  Injun  Sand 14S0  1585 

Gantz  Sand  1940  ‘‘  1970 

Stray  Sand 2095  2130 

Gordon  Sand  2130  2165 

Bayard  Sand  2450  2491 

Show  of  oil 2480  ‘‘  2490 

Gas  2452  and  ^480 

Total  depth 2517 

^‘Medium  gas  well.’’ 

Dick  Smith  Well,  No.  1. 

Simpson  Creek,  tliree  miles  from  mouth.  Authority,  Thomas  D. 

Shaffer,  Superintendent  Mandell  Oil  and  Gas  Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal  40  feet  above  derrick  floor. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Bakerstown)  346  to  352 

First  Cow  Rim  Sand 360  380 

Dnnkard  Sand 498  530 

Coal  (Lower  Freeport)  607  614 

Gas  Sand  665  707 

Salt  Sand  745  935 

Red  rock 1115  1312 

Red  rock  1355  1361 

Big  Lime 1361  1435 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1448'  and  1530') . . . .1435  1540 

Sand  1551  1610 

Sand  1790  1860 

Sand  1910  1960 

Sand  1972  2080 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2142') 2120  2145 

Fourth  Sand 2296  2341 

Fifth  Sand  2363  2370 

Bayard  Sand  (show  of  oil,  2442'  and 

2450')  2434  2457 

Total  depth 2502 

Dry  hole. 

Silas  Ogden  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  east  of  Gypsy.  Authority,  Thomas  D.  Shaffer,  Superin- 
tendent Mandell  Oil  and  Gas  Comiiany. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 115  to  120 

Cave  270  310 

First  Cow  Run  Sand  450  490 

Dunkard  Sand  615  680 

Salt  Sand  (gas,  890';  water,  895') 740  “ 895 

Red  rock  . '. 1210  ''  1400 

Maxton  Sand  1400  1410 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


Lime  1490  1555 

Injun  Sand  (^as,  1570  to  1580') 1555  1005 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2057  2180 

Red  rock 2238  2243 

Gordon  Sand  2243  2270 

Bayard  Sand  (oil  show,  2545  to  2585') . . .2544  2588 

Total  depth  2097 


^‘TJiree  million-foot  gas  well  in  Big  Injun  Sand.'’ 

The  sand  at  2424  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal  in  this 
well  and  the  others  drilled  by  the  Mandell  Company  has  been 
identified  with  the  Fifth  Sand  of  the  Wolf  Summit  region  which 
is  there  2300  feet  to  2320  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal.  It  is  pos- 
sible that  this  may  be  the  correct  interpretation,  but  the  writer 
has  called  it  the  Bayard  Sand  in  these  records. 

J.  M.  Hall  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  east  of  Benson,  Union  district.  Authority,,  South  Penn 
Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Native  Coal  (Waynesburg) 

200 

TO 

204 

Pittsburg  Coal 

605 

i i 

610 

Dimkard  Sand  

1140 

( i 

1190 

Gas  Sand  

1305 

( ( 

1309 

Salt  Sand  

1410 

( ( 

1770 

Red  rock  

1820 

( ( 

1970 

Big  Lime 

2040 

i ( 

2095 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2095 

( i 

2220 

Sand  

2395 

( ( 

2405 

Stray  Sand  (gas,  2670') . . . . 

2640 

( i 

2690 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2715') . . . 

2700 

( ( 

2740 

Fifth  Sand  and  oil 

2904 

( ( 

2908 

Total  depth  

2922 

(Small  well.) 

John  Dillon 

Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  east  of  Benson,  Union  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 
Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

460 

Tjittle  Dimkard  Sand 

890 

to 

950 

Big  Duidcard  Sand 

960 

( ( 

1020 

Gas  Sand  

1290 

( ( 

1325 

Big  Tiirne  

1920 

( ( 

1970 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1975 

{ ( 

2100 

Stray  Sand  

( ( 

2565 

Gordon  Sand  

2575 

( ( 

2615 

332  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (IIAllKISON) 


Fifth  Sand  (oil) 

...2704 

i 1 

2776 

Total  depth  

2777 

(Ten-baiTel  pninper.) 

lUgli  hnire 

Well,  No. 

7. 

]\rineral  Postoffice,  Union  district.  Authority, 

Southern 

Company  and  Mr.  Fred  S.  Rich. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg-  Coal  

...  258 

Pig  Dunkard  Sand 

...  750 

Gas  Sand  

. ..  925 

to 

1210 

Little  Lime 

. ..1670 

i ( 

1682 

Big  Lime  

...1683 

1 ( 

1735 

Big  Injnn  Sand 

...1735 

( ( 

1845 

Gantz  Sand  

...2045 

C i 

2060 

Gordon  Stray  

...2325 

( ( 

2335 

Gordon  Sand  

. . .2355 

( ( 

2380 

Fifth  Sand  (oil  in  top)  . . 

.. .2561 

( ( 

2567 

Total  depth 

2590 

Eight  mire 

Well,  No. 

5. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. ..  420 

Tattle  Dnnkard 

. ..  820 

to 

855 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand 

...1204 

( ( 

1271 

Salt  Sand  

. . .1445 

( ( 

1560 

Maxton  Sand  

. ..1620 

1 ( 

1635 

Little  Lime  

...1830 

i i 

1850 

Pencil  cave 

. . .1850 

ii 

1865 

Big  Lime 

. . .1865 

( ( 

1935 

Big  Injun  Sand  . 

...1935 

( ( 

2070 

Gantz  Sand  

. . .2240 

i 1 

2255 

Gordon  Stray  (strong  gas, 

2450') 

...2440 

i ( 

2530 

Gordon  Sand  

( ( 

2587 

Fifth  Sand 

...2728 

( ( 

2736 

Total  def)th .~.  . . 

2754 

‘Mhve  million-foot  gas 

; well  in  Gordon  Stray.” 

Eightmire 

Well,  No. 

6. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. ..  214 

to 

222 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand 

. ..  725 

( 1 

740 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand  

. ..  825 

i ( 

990 

Salt  Sand  

...1018 

( { 

1324 

Little  Lime 

...1605 

i < 

1620 

Pencil  cave 

.. .1620 

i i 

1640 

Big  Lime 

. . .1640 

i ( 

1700 

Big  Injun  Sand 

...1700 

i 1 

1805 

Gantz-  Sand  

...2025 

i 1 

2050 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

...2188 

1 ( 

2210 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


333 


Gordon  Stray 2225  2305 

Gordon  Sami  (^ns)  2315  2300 

Fifth  Sand  (oil)  2520  252G 

Total  depth  2534 

Riglilmirc  Well,  No.  9. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg-  Coal,  bottom 510 

Elk  Lick  Coal  710  to  722 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand  1040  “ 10G5 

P>ig-  Dnnkard  Sand  1135  1300 

Salt  Sand  1335  1G40 

Little  Lime  1900  1915 

Big-  Lime  1974  2034 

Big-  Injun  Sand 2034  2130 

Berea?  2340  “ 23G5 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2518 

Gordon  Stray,  bottom  2594 

Gordon  Sand  2594  2G38 

Fifth  Sand  2810  ‘‘  281G 

Total  depth 2830 

C.  C.  Tallman  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  and  one-half  miles  up  Kinchloe  Creek,  Union  district.  Au- 
thority, Hope  Natural  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand 575  to  G35 

Salt  Sand  840  ‘‘  975 

Big  Lime  14G5  “ 1545 

Big  Injun  Sand 1545  1G35 

Berea  1810  ‘‘  1835 

Fifty-foot  Sand  (gas,  1985') 19G5  ‘‘  1990 

Stray  Sand 2015  2090 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2120') 2100  2135 

Fifth  Sand  (gas,  2315') 2310  2320 

Total  deptli 2385 

This  well  starts  near  the  level  of  the  Pittsburg  coal. 

3Tie  largest  gas  well  in  the  state,  at  the  present  time,  is  on  the 
farm  of  Jacob  MeConkey  near  (iood  Ilojte,  Union  district.  The 
derrick  floor  is  about  170  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal.  The  well 
was  drilled  by  the  South  Penn  Oil  Company,  but  is  now  owned 
by  the  Hope  Natural  Gas  Company,  of  which  Glen  T.  Braden  is 
President,  and  who  gave  the  Survey  the  following  record  and 
data  concerning  this  remarkable  well: 


334 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (HARillSON) 


Jacob  McConkey  Well,  No.  1. 


feet. 


Slate,  lime  and  coal  (1 

Sand,  Dunkard  

Sand  (Maxton)  (watei 

Big  Lime 

Big  Injim  Sand 

Sand  (Fifty-foot)  . . . . 
Stray  Sand  (liglit  gas] 
Gordon  Sand  


Total  depth  

‘^Rock  pressure,  985  pounds.” 

Open  gate  capacity,  20,000,000  feet. 

Casing — Ten-inch,  197  feet;  8i/4-inch,  924  feet;  G%-inch,  1401 


Feet. 

Feet. 

. 243 

to 

249 

. 300 

380 

.1165 

( i 

1280 

.1295 

1 ( 

1332 

.1332 

{ ( 

1375 

.1754 

1 ( 

1800 

.1836 

.1865 

1 i 

1875 

.1988 

( ( 

2030 

.2160 

2160 

This  well  is  in  the  range  of  the  general  uplift  of  the  Woii 
Summit  anticlinal  which  elevates  the  Pittsburg  coal  into  the  tops 
of  the  hills,  and  creates  ideal  conditions  for  the  occurrence  of 
large  gas  wells,  since  it  and  the  great  Chestnut  ridge  arch  appear 
to  approach  and  merge  into  one  broad  dome-like  structure  as  the* 
latter  dies  down  to  moderate  proportions,  thus  creating  ideal  con- 
ditions for  large  gas  wells  in  the  region  of  Harrison  and  Lewis 
counties  where  is  probably  the  greatest  gas  field  ever  discovered. 


Enoch  Gaston  Well,  No.  1. 

Between  West  Milford  and  Lost  Creek  Postoffices,  G-rant  district. 
Authority,  Southern  Oil  Company  and  Mr.  Fred  S.  Rich. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Bakerstown)  212 

Sand  (Gas)  545  to  610 

Sand  (Salt)  020  750 

Little  Lime 1220 

Pencil  cave  None 

Big  Lime 1285  1340 

Big  Injun  Sand 1340  “ 1410 

Gantz  Sand  1700  1780 

Red  rock  1944  ‘‘  1954 

Gordon  Sand  2015  2030 

Fourth  Sand  2045  2075 

Fifth  Sand  2180  2185 

Bayaid  Sand  (little  gas,  show  oil) 2215  ‘‘  2225 


This  well  begins  about  170  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal. 


WEST  VIIIGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


3.1 


G.  W.  Wolf  Well,  No.  1. 

West  Milford.  Authority,  United  States  Oil  Company, 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  72  to  75 

Coal  164  170 

Red  rock  and  white  sand 170  200 

Lime  and  white  slate 200  300 

White  sand 300  360 

Slate  360  400 

Sand  400  450 

Red  lime  450  500 

Slate  500  600 

Lime  600  675 

Coal  675  678 

Lime  678  ‘‘  700 

Slate  700  800 

Slate  800  ''  825 

Sand,  white  (water,  880') 825  900 

Slate,  black  900  950 

Sand,  dark  950  ''  1000 

Sand  1000  1100 

Red  rock 1100  1200 

Sand,  white  1200  1300 

Lime  and  Sand  (Big  Injun)  1300  1500 

Slate  1500  1600 

Shells,  black 1600  1800 

^‘Gas  Sand”  1800  1830 

White  sand  (gas)  1830  1900 

Shells  1900  2000 

Sand  2000  ''  2025 

Red  rock 2025  2100 

Sand  (Stray)  2100  2169 

Slate  2169  2200 

Slate 2169  2200 

Slate  to  Gordon  Sand  (show) 2200  2300 

Slate  2300  2400 

Fifth  Sand  2460 

Stephen  Myers  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  District.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 728  to  7.35 

Dunkard  Sand 1200  1230 

Salt  Sand  1400  ''  1750 

Maxton  Sand  2050  2065 

Big  Lime 2100  2170 

Big  Injun  Sand  2170  2280 

Berea  Grit  (Gantz?) 2500  2526 


336 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (HARRISON) 


Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2786') 2785  2792 

Oil  2787 

A.  D.  Laivson  Well,  No.  6.  . 

Union  District.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 478  to  483 

Pig  Dunkard  Sand 1050  “ 1095 

Maxton  Sand 1750  1830 

Big  Lime 1840  ‘‘  1900 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2365  “ 2395 

Stray  Sand 2472  2500 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2595') 2585  “ 2625 

Fifth  Sand  2784  ''  2794 

Total  depth  2824 

A.  Mathey  Well,  No.  3. 

Union  District.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  487  to  492 

Dunkard  Sand  ^ 1020  1080 

Salt  Sand  1468  1500 

Maxton  Sand 1742  ‘‘  1845 

Rig  Lime 1854  1910 

Big  Injnn  Sand 1915  2018 

Stray  Sand  2470  2565 

Gordon  Sand  2575  2610 

Fifth  Sand  2790  2795 

Total  depth 2814 

A.  Mathey  Well,  No.  6. 

Union  District.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet  Feet 

Pittsburg  Coal  740  to  7413 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1165  1225 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 1245  1325 

Maxton  Sand  2035  2055 

Big  Injnn  Sand  2225  2280 

Fiftv-foot  Sand  2705  “ 2711 

Stray  Sand  (oil,  2815')  2802  2820 

A.  Coffiudaffer  Well,  No.  2. 

Union  District.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  685  to  690 

Big  Dnidcard  Sand  1310  1360 

Maxton  Sand  1960  2060 

Big  Lime 2060  2138 

Big  Injun  Sand 2142  2200 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2585  ‘‘  2600 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


337 


Stray  Sand  2700  2785 

Gordon  Sand  2795  2835 

Fifth  Sand  2997  3003 

A.  Coffindaffer  Well,  No.  3. 

Union  District.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 458  to  463 

Dnnkard  Sand 948  975 

Salt  Sand  1445  1465 

Maxton  Sand 1754  1830 

Big  Lime  1835  1895 

Big  Injun  Sand 1900  ''  2000 

Fifty-foot  Sand  2345  ''  2410 

Stray  Sand 2458  ''  2508 

Gordon  Sand  2550  2595 

Fifth  Sand  (oil)  2778  ''  2783 

F.  M.  Bailey  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  District.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Fpt*t  Fpflt 

Pittsburg  Coal 645  to  652 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand 1100  1125 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand  1250  ‘‘  1300 

Big  Lime 2030 

Fifty-foot  Sand 2595  2610 

Gordon  Sand  2720  2755 

Fifth  Sand  2938  2944 

Total  depth  3018 

Jemima  Bailey  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  District,  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 620  to  626 

Gas  Sand  (water,  1430') 1415  1442 

Little  Lime 2000  2010 

Big  Lime 2040  2100 

Big  Injun  Sand 2100  2200 

Berea 2420  ‘‘  2432 

Fifty-foot  Sand  (gas,  2523') 2520  2530 

Stray  Sand  2596  2615 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2688') 2651  2704 

^ Gas  2740 

' Total  depth 2977 


TAYLOR  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Taylor  county  lies  east  from  Harrison  and  directly  south 
from  Mfirion.  The  Chestnut  anticlinal  enters  the  county 


338 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (TAYLOR) 


from  Southeastern  Marion  one-half  mile  below  Valley  Falls,  and 
passing  southwestward  through  the  northwest  corner  of  Taylor 
near  Mead  land  Postoffice,  and  Patton  Knob  enters  Harrison, 
crossing  the  B.  & 0.  near  Oral,  three  miles  east  of  Bridgeport. 
This  arch  is  rapidly  dying  down  in  altitude  southwestward,  but  it 
is  still  so  great  that  the  fissures  opened  down  through  the  strata 
by  its  great  fold,  has  probably  permitted  the  escape  of  nearly  all 
the  natural  gas  and  oil  that  may  once  have  existed  in  the  underly- 
ing sand  rocks  of  Taylor,  since  although  some  gas  and  oil  occur  in 
every  well  drilled  yet  neither  has  been  found  in  commercial  quan- 
tity. 

The  following  well  records  will  exhibit  the  succession  through 
the  Venango  Oil  Sand  series  in  Taylor  county. 

, Hugh  Evans  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Pruntytown.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Coal  (Friendsyille?)  105 

Coal  (Bakerstown)  315  to  333 

Coal  (Arden)  560  ''  570 

Salt  Sand  891 

Big  Injun  Sand 1333  “ 1454 

Sand  (Stray?  Little  gas)  1914  1964 

Fourth  Sand 2116  2140 

Fifth  Sand 2206  2211 

Red  sand 2211  ‘‘  2266 

Sandy  Lime  2300  2340 

^Sand  (Bayard?  Elizabeth?)  2380  ‘‘  2385 

Slate  and  shells  to  bottom 2385  2680 


The  horizon  of  the  Pittsburg  coal  is  about  200  feet  above  the 
derrick  floor,  and  hence  the  well  passed  through  the  Venango  se- 
ries from  1914  to  2211,  since  the  stratum  Avhich  held  a “little  gas’’ 
is  most  probably  the  representative  of  the  Gordon  “Stray”. 

K L.  Reed  Well,  No.  1. 

Booth  Creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Gravel  

1 

to 

25 

Sand  

25 

i ( 

75 

Red  rock  and  lime  

75 

( ( 

200 

Sand  

200 

( ( 

250 

Black  slate  

250 

( ( 

330 

Sand  

330 

(( 

400 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  339 

Slate  400  “ 435 

Coal  (Upper  Freeport)  435  “ 440 

Slate  and  shells 440  “ 550 

Sand  550  610 

Slate  610  630 

Sand  630  650 

Slate  650  675 

Sand  (Salt  Sand)  675  “ 750 

Slate  and  lime 750  975 

Red  rock 975  ‘‘  1130 

Lime  1130  1280 

Red  sand 1280  ‘‘  1285 

Big  Injun  Sand 1285  “ 1413 

Slate  1413  1418 

Sand  (Squaw)  1418  1430 

Red  rock 1430  1440 

Slate  1440  1780 

Fifty-foot?  Sand  (light  gas,  1798') 1780  1825 

Slate  1825  1845 

Sand  1845  “ 1875 

Slate  and  shells 1875  “ 1935 

Red  rock  and  shells 1935  ‘ ^ 2060 

Black  slate  2060  “ 2162 

Fifth  Sand  (red)  2162  2185 

Black  slate  2185  2197 

Slate  and  shells 2197  ‘V  2220 

Slate  2220  2310 

Slate  and  shells 2310  “ 2330 

Slate  2330  2400 

Well  Two  Miles  North  of  Flemington. 

Authority,  Thomas  D.  Shaffer,  Superintendent  Mandell  Oil  & 

Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Friendsville)  110  to  114 

Coal  (Bakerstown)  254  260 

First  Cow  Run  Sand 260  270 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 307  420 

Coal  (Upper  Freeport)  425  432 

Sand  (water,  514') 509  540 

Coal  (Arden)  546  551 

Sand  564  585 

Coal  585  589 

Sand  600  630 

Coal  895  899 

Red  rock 900  ''  1108 

Maxton  Sand  1108  “ 1120 

Big  Lime 1265  ''  1350 


340 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (TAYLOR) 


Big  Injun  Sand  (little  gas,  1367'  and  1420 


to  1436')  

1360 

( ( 

1448 

Sand  (Gantz)  

1712 

( i 

1727 

Sand  

1783 

( ( 

1890 

Fifth  Sand  (little  gas)  

2128 

( ( 

2135 

Total  depth 

(Dry  hole.) 

2400 

Since  the  well  starts  165  feet  under  the  Pittsburg  coal,  the 
sand  in  which  a little  gas  was  found  at  2128  to  2135  is  possibly 
the  representative  of  the  Fifth  Oil  Sand  of  Harrison  county.  The 
driller  has  given  the  name  Second  Cow  Run  Sand  to  a stratum 
which  belongs  at  least  350  feet  above  the  true  horizon  of  that 
stratum. 

The  Plemington  Coal  Company  had  a test  well  drilled  near 
the  mines  of  that  company,  one  mile  above  Flemington,  and  the 
following  record  of  the  well  was  furnished  by  Mr.  James  F. 
Haymond  of  the  Flemington  Company. 


Flemington  Coal  Co.’s  Well,  No.  1. 


Thickness 

Depth 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  

13 

13 

Sand  

15 

28 

Slate  

25 

53 

Limestone  

20 

73 

Red  rock  

59 

132 

Limestone  

15 

147 

Slate,  light  

2$ 

167 

Limestone  

20 

187 

Red  rock  

30 

217 

Limestone  (cased  13') 

20 

237 

Limestone  

10 

247 

Sand,  white 

40 

287 

Slate,  black 

Coal  (Friendsville)  

13 

300 

8 

308 

Slate,  white  

5 

313 

Limestone  

7 

320 

Slate,  white  

16 

336 

Limestone  

10 

346 

Slate,  white  

20 

366 

Sand  

25 

391 

Slate,  black  

10  - 

' 401 

Red  rock  

35 

436 

Slate,  white  

30 

466 

Limestone  

6 

472 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  341 

Slate,  pink  52  524 

Slate,  white  18  542 

Sand,  white  (Mahoning)  62  604 

Limestone  15  619 

Slate  35  * 654 

Limestone  50  704 

Sand  41  745 

Limestone  6 751 

Sand,  Avhite  24  775 

Sand,  black 30  805 

Sand,  white  35  840 

Slate,  black 10  850 

Sand,  white  (Salt  Sand,  top  Pottsville) . . 30  880 

Slate  30  ’910 

Sand 72  982 

Slate,  white  (cased,  10")  12  994 

Sand,  white 39  1033 

Sand,  white  40  1073 

Slate,  black 50  1123 

Limestone,  black 12  1135 

Sand,  white  (base  Pottsville)  23  1158 

Slate  6 1164 

Red  rock 141  1305 

Limestone,  sandy 24  1329 

Red  rock 128  1457 

Limestone  6 1463 

Red  rock  10  1473 

Limestone  10  1483 

Slate 10  1493 

Limestone  (Big  Lime)  35  1528 

Limestone  47  1575 

Sand  (Big  Injun ; gas)  40  1615 

Red  rock  10  1625 

Sand 30  1655 

Red  rock 15  1670 

Sand  40  1710 

Slate  and  shells 60  1770 

Sand,  broken  and  shelly 100  1870 

Slate  and  shells 110  1980 

Fifty-foot  Sand  115  2095 

Slate  10  2105 

Sand 20  2125 

Red  rock  15  2140 

Sand  (Thirty-foot)  30  2170 

Red  rock  54  2224 

Sand  (Gordon) 6 2230 

Red  rock  and  shells 150  2380 

Slate  and  shells 55  2435 


342 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (PRESTON) 


Sand  (Fifth?)  (Bayard) 25  2460 

Slate  15  2475 

Sand  and  limestone 25  2500 

Red  rock  and  shells 50  2550 

Limestone  and  sand 20  2570 

Slate  and  shells  to  bottom 4491/2  3019^ 


This  well  begins  only  a few  feet  below  the  horizon  of  the 
Pittsburg  coal  and  hence  the  measurements  given  are  of  much 
stratigraphic  value.  All  of  the  Sands  appear  to  be  badly  “split 
up”  with  slate,  shales,  etc.  A little  gas  was  found  in  the  Big 
Injun  Sand,  but  even  that  great  Sand  horizon  has  largely  disap- 
peared into  Limestone,  red  shales,  etc. 

PRESTON  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Preston  county  lies  east  from  Taylor  and  Monongalia,  and 
extending  north  to  the  Pennsylvania  line  and  east  to  Maryland, 
on  the  summit  of  the  Alleghanies. 

Only  two  deep  wells  have  been  drilled  in  the  county.  One 
of  these  was  near  Bretz.  It  began  near  the  Upper  Freeport  coal, 
and  is  reported  to  have  been  drilled  to  a depth  of  2,000  feet.  No 
record  of  it  could  be  obtained,  but  neither  gas  nor  oil  was  found. 

Mr.  J.  M.  Guffey  drilled  a well  at  Newburg,  near  the  B.  & O. 
R.  R.,  of  which  the  following  record  was  received  from  the  late 
Prof.  John  F.  Carll : 

Newhurg  Well. 

Authority,  Prof.  John  F.  Carll. 

Thickness,  Depth, 

Feet.  Feet. 


Sandstone,  gray  62  80 

Slate  and  shells,  black 50  130 

Sandstone,  white 40  170 

Slate  in  place  of  coal  (Upper  Freeport) ...  20  190 

Slate,  white  and  black 120  310 

Sandstone,  hard  and  firm.  Lower  Freeport)  30  340 

Slate,  white 20  360 

Coal,  Lower  Kittanning 10  370 

Slate,  white  (10"  easing,  385') 15  385 

Sandstone,  gray,  very  hard 50  435 

Slate,  soft  40  475 

Sandstone,  gray  35  510 

Slate .■ 10  520 

Sandstone,  gray,  very  hard  (Pottsville) ...  80  600 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


343 


Slate  (8"  casing,  OIG')  15  G15 

Sandstone,  gray  30  G45 

Slate  and  shale 55  700 

Sandstone,  gray  (base  Pottsville) 20  720 

Slate  and  shale 30  750 

Red  rock 100  850 

Slate  and  shale 30  880 

Lime,  white  40  920 

Red  rock 120  1040 

Slate  and  shale 25  10G5 

Red  rock 20  1075 

Slate  and  shale 35  1110 

Lime,  dark  (Big)  GO  1170 

Slate,  black  5 1175 

Sandstone,  gray  (Big  Injun)  118  1293 

Slate  10  1303 

Red  sandstone  (6%"  easing,  1317') 20  1323 

Slate  and  shale 20  1343 

Sandstone,  gray  137  1480 

Slate  and  shale 90  1570 

Sandstone,  gray  20  1590 

Slate,  soft 10  IGOO 

Lime  15  1G15 

Slate  and  shale 10  1625 

Sandstone,  gray  (Gantz?)  15  1G40 

Slate  10  1650 

Sandstone,  gray  (50-foot'?) 10  1G60 

Slate  and  shale 195  1855 

Red  rock 180  2035 

Slate  and  shale 10  2045 

Red  rock 256  2301 

Slate  and  shale 49  2350 

Sandstone,  gray  30  2380 

Slate  and  shale 624  3004 

The  W(‘1I  starts  close  to  the  level  of  a shaft  which  goes  down 
through  the  Up[)er  Freeport  and  Lower  Kittanning  coals,  while 
the  Pittsburg  bed  caps  the  summits  of  the  hills  475  feet  above  the 
derrick  floor.  This  gives  an  interval  of  (1175' -f  475')=  1650 
feet  from  the  latter  coal  to  the  top  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  or 
300'  to  350'  more  than  the  average  in  Marion  and  Monongalia, 
thus  showing  the  eastward  incease  in  thickness  of  the  sediments, 
largely  those  (Maueh  Chunk)  intervening  between  the  base  of  the 
Pottsville  and  the  top  of  the  Mountain  (“Big”)  Limestone.  The 
Catskill  beds  also  exhibit  the  same  tendency  to  thicken  eastward, 


344 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (BARBOUR) 


as  shown  by  the  beds  struck  at  1855'  and  2045',  respectively.  These 
are  the  reds  which  occur  just  under  the  “Fifty-foot^’  oil  sand, over 
such  a wide  area  in  both  Pennsylvania  and  West  Virginia,  and 
whose  eastward  thickening  may  have  some  connection  with  the 
disappearance  of  petroleum  from  the  Venango  series,  in  the  midst 
of  which  they  occur.  Owing  to  this  great  thickening  of  the 
measures,  it  is  impossible  to  make  any  close  correlation  of  the 
lowest  8a7id  found  in  the  well  at  2,350  feet,,  about  2,800  feet  be- 
low the  Pittsburg  coal,  but  it  would  represent  one  of  the  deep 
oil  producing  sands  of  the  State. 

BARBOUR  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Barbour  county  lies  directly  south  from  Preston  and  Taylor, 
and  east  from  Harrison.  It  thus  extends  into  the  mountainous  re- 
gion of  the  State  at  its  eastern  border  where  the  rocks  rise  sharply 
(10°  to  20°)  along  the  “foot  hills”  of  the  Alleghanies,  and  hence 
no  oil  or  gas  could  be  expected  in  paying  quantity  at  any  reason- 
able depth.  However  several  test  wells  have  been  bored  within 
the  county,  since  in  all  a “showing”  of  both  oil  and  gas  was 
found  when  the  drill  was  piercing  the  Venango  Oil  Sand  Group. 
About  three  wells  have  been  drilled  in  the  vicinity  of  Philippi, 
largely  by  the  financial  aid  of  local  parties,  among  whom  were 
Hon.  A.  G.  Dayton,  Charles  P.  Teter  and  others.  One  of  these 
wells  starts  on  top  of  the  Mahoning  sandstone,  and  its  elevation 
was  determined  from  accurate  levels  made  by  Mr.  C.  McC.  Lem- 
ley,  who  also  obtained  a copy  of  the  record  from  the  owners  of 
the  well,  as  follows: 

Philippi  Well,  No.  2. 

Tolberts  Run  near  Philippi.  Drilled  for  the  Tygarts  Valley  Min- 
eral and  Oil  Company.  Well  mouth  1414  feet  above  tide. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Soil  0 to  5 

Iron  ore,  limestone,  very  hard 5 “ 10 

Hard  sand 10  40 

Bine  tough  slate  rock 40  100 

Coal,  Upper  Freeport 100  “ 102 

Fine  sand  or  limestone 109  ‘‘  121 

Slate  121  ‘‘  180 

Coal  180  183 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


346 


Slate  rock 

. 183 

( c 

193 

Fine  hard  sand 

. 193 

i i 

208 

Coal  (Koarin<»'  creek,  Ai’den)  

.208 

( ( 

212 

Slate  rock 

. 212 

< ( 

232 

Hard,  close  sand  (Roaring’  creek)  

. 232 

( ( 

277 

(’oal  

. 277 

t ( 

284 

Hard  sand  (cased  10"  at  301') 

. 284 

( ( 

314 

. 314 

( i 

354 

Hard  sand 

. 354 

i i 

414 

Slate  

. 414 

i ( 

419 

Dark  lime  

. 419 

( ( 

434 

Slate  

. 434 

( ( 

444 

Hard  sand,  more  water 

. 444 

(( 

469 

Slate  

. 469 

i i 

474 

Lime,  very  hard  

. 474 

i 1 

482 

Slate  

. 482 

( ( 

582 

Hard  sand 

. 582 

( ( 

632 

Slate  and  shell 

. 632 

( ( 

672 

Hard  sand 

. 672 

( ( 

692 

Hard  lime  (cased  d\y  8"  at  700') 

. 692 

i i 

710 

Slate  rock 

. 710 

( ( 

720 

Hard,  close  sand 

. 720 

( ( 

734 

Bright  red  rock 

. 734 

( c 

774 

Limestone,  very  hard 

. 774 

( ( 

779 

Red  rock 

. 779 

< < 

824 

j ard  sand  

. 824 

( ( 

864 

r.iiidy  slate 

. 804 

1 ( 

879 

Hard,  dark  sand 

. 879 

< i 

924 

Red  shale  

. 924 

i ( 

989 

Black  shale 

. 989 

( ( 

1029 

Hard  limestone  (Big)  

.1029 

( ( 

1121 

Gray,  hard  Sand  (Big  Iniun,  toj)) 

.1121 

( ( 

1156 

Red  sand 

.1156 

( ( 

1181 

Hard,  gray  sand  

.1181 

i ( 

1199 

Hard  rock  

.1199 

( ( 

1206 

Hard,  black  lime 

.1206 

( ( 

1231 

Close  Sand  (to  bottom  of  Rig  Injun) . . . 

.1231 

( ( 

1256 

Shale  

.1256 

( ( 

1286 

Pale  red  rock 

.1286 

i ( 

1316 

Shale 

. 1316 

1 ( 

1376 

White  sand  (Berea?)  fresh  water, some  oil, 

, 1376 

( ( 

1420 

Hard  sand  and  limestone 

.1420 

( ( 

1500 

Haid,  dark  sand  (0^4^^  casing  at  1035')  . 

.1500 

{ ( 

1635 

Dark  red  sand  and  shales 

.1635 

{ i 

1935 

Dark  gray  Sand  (Gordon) 

.1935 

1 1 

1970 

Slate,  with  limestone  shells  

.1970 

i ( 

2675 

Sand,  chocolate  color 

.2675 

i ( 

2725 

‘‘From  2725  no  solid  formation  of  any  thickness.  In  one  place 


346 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (BARBOUR) 


shells  and  shales  were  found.  Qnit  drilling  at  a depth  of  3,348  feet.’’ 

A flood  of  comparatively  fresh  water  was  found  in  the  coarse 

white  sand  at  1376  feet  or  1876  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and 
with  it  was  a show  of  oil,  which  comes  up  with  the  flowing  (arte- 
sian) water,  and  forms  an  oily  scum  arond  the  derrick.  This 
“show  of  oil”  gave  some  hope  for  better  results  farther  to  the 
west  away  from  the  large  anticlinal  which  passes  east  from  Phil- 
ippi, and  with  a view  to  a more  thorough  test,  the  Elk  Creek  Oil 
and  Gas  Company  put  down  a well  in  1902  about  four  miles  west 
from  Philippi  on  the  head  waters  of  Elk  Creek.  The  record  of 
this  well  was  very  carefully  kept  for  Mr.  Lemley  since  he  was 
connected  with  the  oil  company.  He  determined  the  tide  eleva- 
tion of  the  well  which  starts  just  under  the  Crinoidal  limestone, 
and  310  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal.  This  record  reads  as  fol- 
lows : 

Hall  Farm  Well. 

Elevation  derrick  floor,  1,047.8'  above  tide.  Authority,  C.  McC. 
Lemley,  Assistant  Engineer,  B.  & O.  R.  R. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Soft  sand  (surface)  0 to  14 

Coal  (Friendsville)  14  20 

Lime,  black 20  “ 35 

Lime  shell 35  “ 55 

Lime,  red  and  black 55  75 

Red  rock  and  slate 75  “ 90 

Light  slate  and  lime 90  100 

Sand 100  “ 125 

Red  rock  and  sand  shell 125  ‘ ‘ 138 

Slate,  black 138  ''  200 

Lime,  blue 200  “ 275 

Sand,  white  (Mahoning)  275  “ 280 

Sand,  black 280  “ 290 

Coal  (Upper  Freeport)  290  “ 295 

Sand,  black 295  “ 310 

Sand,  white 310  “ 320 

Lime,  black 320  “ 335 

Lime,  black,  sandy  335  390 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  390  400 

Coal  (Philippi)  400  ‘‘  403 

Lime  and  sand 403  “ 418 

Slate,  white 418  “ 448 

Slate,  black  (Roaring  Creek  Coal?) ...  . 448  453 

Slate,  white  453  “ 458 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


347 


Sand,  white  (Roarins^  Creek)  

Slate,  wliite  

Lime,  white 

fJnn.l  

. ...  458 

510 

535 

545 

( ( 

( { 

( ( 

i { 

510 

535 

545 

550 

Sand,  black 

. ...  550 

( { 

565 

Coal  

....  565 

( ( 

570 

Sand,  white,  pebbly  at  base 

. ...  570 

( ( 

626 

Sliale,  brown 

....  626 

a 

650 

Coal  

. ...  650 

i ( 

652 

Slate,  white 

....  652 

a 

670 

Coal  

. ...  670 

( ( 

672 

Slate,  white  

. ...  672 

( ( 

685 

Sand,  dark  . . . ' 

. ...  685 

( ( 

725 

Slate,  black 

. ...  725 

i i 

760 

Coal  

. ...  760 

( ( 

763 

Shale,  brown 

. ...  763 

( ( 

786 

Lime,  black 

786 

( ( 

806 

Sand,  white 

....  806 

( ( 

831 

Slate,  black 

. ...  831 

( ( 

841 

Sand,  white  (base  of  Pottsville)  .... 

. ...  841 

i i 

896 

Slate,  black 

. ...  896 

( ( 

926 

Lime,  white 

. ...  926 

t c 

931 

Slate,  black 

. ...  931 

( ( 

941 

Red  rock  and  lime 

f)41 

i ( 

951 

Lime,  white 

. . . . 951 

( ( 

991 

Ped  rock  and  lime 

991 

i i 

1041 

1 eldde  sand  (Maxton)  . , 

1041 

( ( 

1127 

Sand,  gray  (Maxton)  . . . 
Sand  and  lime 

....1127 

1 i 

1171 

....1171 

( i 

1181 

Red  rock  

....1181 

i ( 

1196 

Slate,  black 

Lime 35'  'j 

Lime,  white ()'  | 

1 

. .. .1196 

( ( 

1216 

Lime  and  slate 5'  | 

Lime,  black 53'  j 

^ Big  Lime . . 

. 1216 

a 

1315 

Sand  and  lime  (top  Big 

Injnn)  

. . ..1315 

( ( 

1325 

Lime,  white 

i ( 

1340 

Sand,  white 

....1340 

( i 

1376 

Red  rock  and  sand 

. . . .1376 

i i 

1386 

Lime  and  sand 

....1386 

( i 

1426 

Lime,  black 

....1426 

i 1 

1446 

Lime,  sand  

. .. .1446 

( ( 

1471 

Slate,  white 

....1471 

( ( 

1.511 

Lime  and  sand  shale  . . . 

....1511 

( ( 

1.531 

Slate  

....1531 

( ( 

1536 

Sand  and  lime 

....1536 

( ( 

1586 

Slate  

....1586 

( ( 

1601 

Berea?  Sand  (Gantz)  . . 

....1601 

i ( 

1631 

348 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (UPSHUR; 


Lime,  black 1631  1656 

Sand,  white  (50-Foot) 1656  1721 

Slate,  black  1721  1730 

Sand  1730  ‘‘  1750 

Lime,  black 1750  ‘‘  1799 

Slate  1799  1879 

Red  rock  1879  1978 

Lime 1978  1989 

Chocolate  (red)  shale 1989  2089 

Sand,  white  (Gordon?)  2089  ‘‘  2114 

Slate,  black 2114  2169 

Sand,  hard  2169  2194 

Slate,  lime  and  shale  to  bottom 2194  2594 


The  red  beds  struck  at  1879  feet  in  this  well  correspond  to 
those  found  at  1635  feet  in  the  Philippi  boring,  since  the  Hall 
well  begins  about  200  feet  higher  in  the  measures  than  the  for- 
mer. 


The  record  of  a well  drilled  farther  down  Elk  Creek  in  Bar- 
bour was  given  the  Survey  by  Mr.  Perry  Thompson  of  Fairmont, 
W.  Va.  The  well  was  drilled  by  the  Constant  Oil  Company,  and 
the  record  is  as  follows: 

Cole  Farm  Well,  No.  1. 

AVell  started  100  feet  below  Pittsburg  coal. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  400 

Dnnkard  Sand 90  to  490 

Unrecorded  to  1000 

Salt  Sand  50  1050 

Limestone  shells  .... 

Unrecorded  to  1250 

Sand  (Maxton)  60  1310 

Big  Lime 75  ‘‘  1385 

Sand  (Big  Ininn)  120  1505 

Unrecorded  to 1800 

Gantz  Sand 10  “ 1810 

Slate  and  shells  40  “ 1850 

Fifty-foot  Sand  to  bottom  65  ‘‘  1915 


UPSHUR  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 


Upshur  county  lies  directly  south  from  Barbour, and  is  there- 
fore in  the  same  range  of  anticlinal  folds  and  pi*oximity  to  ero- 
genic disturbance  as  the  latter.  Hence  no  oil  pools  have  yet  been 
developed  within  the  borders  of  Upshur,  although  a few  test  wells 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUIiVEY 


349 


have  been  drilled. 

One  t(‘st  was  made  on  the  Rose  farm  a short  distance  north- 
east from  Bnckhannon,  and  its  record  is  as  follows: 

Rose  Farm  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  W.  H.  Nicholson. 

Thickness,  Depth, 

Feet.  Feet. 

Clay  8 8 

Quick  sand  5 13 

White  slate 12  25 

Gray  lime  20  45 

White  slate 10  55 

Gray  lime  10  65 

Black  slate  20  85 

Red  rock 20  105 

White  slate 10  115 

Sand  with  water  (Morgantown*?) 15  130 

White  slate  55  185 

Coal  1 186 

Black  slate  5 191 

Gray  lime,  water 15  206 

Black  slate  15  221 

White  lime  30  251 

Red  rock  6 257 

White  slate  9 266 

Gray  sand,  water 15  281 

White  slate 20  301 

Sand  35  336 

White  slate * 15  351 

Gray  lime  (Upper  Cambildge'?)  15  366 

Red  rock  20  386 

Wliite  slate 10  396 

Sand 45  441 

Black  slate  (Bakerstown  coal*?) 10  451 

Gray  lime  ’. 13  4(54 

Sand  (Mahoning)  72  53(5 

Lime  (probably  iireclay) 30  5(56 

Sand  (Upi)er  Mahoning)  15  581 

Black  slate  10  591 

Black  lime  20  611 

White  slate 55  (5(56 

Sand  (Lowei’  Mahoning)  15  681 

Coal  and  slate,  gas,  Roaring  Creek 

(Arden)  15  (596 

Gray  lime  10  706 

Lime  50  756 

Black  slate  39  795 


350 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (UPSHUR) 


Coal  and  slate  10  805 

Salt  Sand  (little  gas) 118  923 

Black  slate  10  933 

Gray  lime  15  948 

Slate  and  shells 120  1068 

Sand  12  1080 

Slate  and  shells 75  1155 

Lime 6 1161 

Slate  29  1190 

Lime 20  1210 

Sand  (gas)  8 1218 

Slate  5 1223 

Sand  17  1240 

Slate  35  1275 

Sand,  base  of  Salt  Sand  (Pottsville) 15  1290 

Slate  15  1305 

Red  rock 35  1340 

Lime  20  1360 

Sand  30  1390 

Lime  40  1430 

Slate  15  1445 

Red  rock  40  1485 

Black  slate  and  shells 30  1515 

White  lime  (Big)  65  1580 

Brown  lime,  with  black  ") 
lubricating  oil . . 50'  | 


White  lime 

.25' 

1- 

Black  sand 

.20' 

Big  Injun. . 

180 

1760 

Red  rock 

. 5' 

White  sand  

.80'  J 

White  lime 

. 20 

1780 

Slate,  black  and  soft  . . . 

5 

1785 

White  sand,  hard 

. 25 

1810 

Black  slate  

. 3 

1813 

Sand,  white,  hard 

. 30 

1843 

Slate,  black,  soft  . 

. 5 

1848 

White  sand  ..... 

. 12 

1860 

Hard,  Idack  sand 

. 80 

1940 

Soft  black  slate  . 

. 45 

1985 

Red  rock  

. 3 

1988 

Soft,  dark  gray  sand.  .40' 

1 

Soft  white  sand . . . 

....17 

/ 

j Gantz 

Slate  shells 

....25 

j-  and 

107 

2095 

Hard  gray  sand... 

18' 

\ bO-Foot 

Soft  white  sand  . . 

. ...  r 

1 

) 

Slate  

. 10 

2105 

Red  sand 

. 107 

2212 

Hard  gray  sand  . . 

. 25 

2237 

WEST  VIKGCNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


351 


Black  slate  23  2260 

llanl  gray  sand 15  2275 

Bed  rock  and  shells 15  2290 

Slate  25  2315 

Good  white  sand  20  2335 

l^rown  sand  and  red  sand 50  2385 

Black  slate  15  2400 

White  slate 97  2497 


Some  oil  and  g’as  ‘ ‘ shows  ’ ’ were  found  at  several  horizons  in 
this  well,  but  nothing  in  commercial  quantity.  The  Big  Injun 
Sand  appears  to  have  been  struck  at  1580  feet  where  it  has  be- 
come quite  limy  and  held  some  dark  heavy  oil.  The  Pittsburg 
coal  probably  belongs  about  100  feet  above  the  level  of  the  der- 
rick floor. 

George  Burner  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  the  West  Virginia  and  Pittsburg  R.  R.  Station,  Sago.  Au- 
thority, D.  P.  Bailey,  Manager  of  the  Citizens’  Natural  Gas  Com- 
pany. Derrick  floor  about  1435  feet  above  tide. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Soil  0 to  16 

Lime,  white  16  22 

Slate  or  shale,  black '22  37 

Lime,  white 37  41 

Coal  and  slate  41  50 

Lime,  white 50  100 

Sand,  white  100  117 

Lime,  brown 117  121 

Sand  and  lime,  white  and  hard 121  ‘‘  190 

Slate,  black  190  ''  207 

Slate  and  sand,  black  207  244 

Lime,  white  244  ‘‘  255 

Slate,  black,  hard  255  371 

Sand,  white,  fine 371  391 

Lime,  white  391  400 

Sand,  white,  fine  and  hard 400  ‘‘  476 

Slate,  black 476  587 

Lime,  lirown  and  hard 587  697 

Slate,  black  697  712 

Coal  and  slate  712  716 

Slate,  black  716  ''  726 

Sand,  white,  base  Pottsville 726  800 

Red  shale,  light 800  840 

Lime,  hard  and  white 840  924 

Sand,  white  and  hard 924  955 

Shale,  red 955  ''  1023 


352 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (UPSHUR) 


Slate,  black,  hard  1023  1031 

Lime,  white 1031  ‘‘  1046 

Shale,  black,  hard 1046  1054 

Lime,  whitish 1054  1078 

Shale,  red 1078  ‘‘  1098 

Big  Lime,  white,  hard 1098  1190 

Sand,  white,  hard.  22'  ) 

Sand,  red,  light. . . 12'  > Big  Injun..  1190  1360 

Sand,  white 136'  ) 

Slate,  black,  sandy 1360  1374 

Sand,  white  1374  1410 

Slate,  light 1410  1430 

Sand,  white 1430  ^ ‘ 1510 

Lime,  white  1510  1520 

Red  rock 1520  1684 

Sand 1684  1703 

Red  rock 1703  1744 

Slate 1744  ‘‘  1770 

Sand  and  shale  (water) 1770  1705 

Red  rock 1795  1825 

Sand  1825  1834 

Slate,  black 1834  1866 

Lime,  white  1866  1878 

Slate  1878  1884 

Lime,  white 1884  ‘ ‘ 1900 

Slate  1900  1927 

Sand,  stray,  light  (little  gas) 1927  1933 

Slate  1933  1940 

Slate,  sandy,  light 1940  1965 

Slate  1965  1980 

Sand 1980  ‘‘  2000 

Slate,  black 2000  2025 


Bottom  of  well  measured  with  steel  line. 

“In  five  foot  slaty  sand  a showing  of  gas  was  visible,  and  a 
small  quantity  is  yet  flowing  around  the  plug.  Probably  enough 
to  supply  a dozen  fires.  In  the  Big  Injun  Sand  (1190  to  1360)  a 
showing  of  something  resembling  asphalt  was  found.’’ 

This  well  begins  about  fifteen  feet  below  the  Roaring  Creek 
Coal,  and  175  feet  below  the  Upper  Freeport  seam  which  here 
underlies  the  Pittsburg  coal  bed  by  about  700  feet,  thus  giving 
an  interval  of  1890  feet  between  the  latter  stratum  and  the  Big 
Injun  Sand,  the  horizon  of  wdiich  is  so  unmistakable  in  the  rec-. 
ord.  The  well  begins  on  the  immediate  top  of  the  great  Roaring 
Creek  Sandstone  which  forms  the  line  of  immense  pebbly  dill's 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


353 


from  tliis  point  to  the  head  of  the  Buckhannon  river,  and  which 
Mr.  David  White  of  the  United  States  Geological  Survey  corre- 
lates with  the  top  of  the  Pottsville  formation.  The  thick  asphal- 
tic-like  oil  found  in  the  Big  Injun  Sand  is  evidence  that  the 
strata  are  so  fissured  in  this  eastern  region  close  to  the  mountain 
uplifts,  that  practically  all  of  the  volatile  hydro-carbons  have  es- 
caped. The  little  gas  still  imprisoned  in  these  beds  was  struck  at 
1927  feet  and  is  in  the  Venango  series. 

It  is  possible  that  the  western  portion  of  Upshur  may  hold 
oil  and  gas  in  commercial  quantity  when  tested  still  further. 

LEWIS  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Lewis  county  lies  directly  west  from  Upshur  and  south  from 
Harrison,  and  hence  is  far  enough  removed  from  the  great  anti- 
clinals  which  traverse  Preston,  Barbour  and  Upshur  to  lie  within 
the  zone  of  low  arches,  and  gentle  dips  so  that  its  strata  have  re- 
mained unfractured  and  its  hydrocarbons  still  imprisoned,  ex- 
cept as  they  have  been  extravagantly  wasted  by  man ’s  negligence. 
Several  of  the  largest  wells  in  the  state  have  each  been  permitted 
to  blow  10  to  20  millions  of  cubic  feet  of  natural  gas  into  the  air 
daily  from  Lewis  county,  for  months  at  a time,  before  their  own- 
ers could  be  induced  to  shut  them  in  and  prevent  this  frightful 
waste.  Such  inexcusable  methods  in  operating  for  oil  and  gas  call 
loudly  for  effective  legislative  action  in  order  to  preserve  for 
productive  purposes  the  great  wealth  of  gaseous  fuel  with  which 
Lewis  and  adjoining  counties  have  been  dowered. 

The  effect  of  structure  upon  the  presence  of  oil  and  gas  in 
commercial  quantity  is  finely  illustrated  in  Lewis  county.  In 
Monongalia,  Marion,  Taylor  and  Harrison  no  gas  or  oil  pools 
have  been  found  east  of  the  Chestnut  Ridge  anticlinal,  or  even 
very  close  to  its  western  slopes.  But  this  arch  which  is  so  great 
in  Payette  county,  Pennsylvania,  (immediately  north  from  Mon- 
ongalia) that  it  brings  the  Hamilton  beds  of  the  Devonian  into 
the  top  of  the  mountain  with  dips  of  25r°  to  30°  rapidly  flattens 
down  southwestward,  so  that  at  the  Cheat  river  in  Monongalia, 
it  elevates  the  Gantz  Sand  only  to  water  level,  while  at  the  Valley 
river  where  its  crest  passes  into  Taylor  county  near  Valley  Palls, 


354 


OIL  AND  GAB  WELL  REOOKDS  (LEWIS) 


only  the  upper  half  of  the  Poth  vllle  formation  is  brought  to  the 
surface.  This  flattening  of  the  Chestnut  Ridge  arch  continues 
south  westward  through  Harrison  county,  and  when  the  swell 
reaches  the  West  Fork  river  in  Lewis  cor  ity,  at  the  old  Jackson 
Mill,  three  miles  below  Weston,  only  the  top  of  the  Mahoning 
sandstone  rises  to  the  surface  on  its  crest,  and  then  for  the  first 
time  we  find  prolific  oil  and  gas  fields  passing  over  and  east  of 
this  well  marked  structural  zone. 

This  approach  of  the  productive  oil  and  gas  pools  to  and 
across  this  anticlinal,  pari  passu,  with  its  decline,  and  the  disap- 
pearance of  sharp  folding  over  its  crest,  lends  much  force  to  the 
conclusion  that  structure  is  a prime  factor  in  the  accumulation, 
as  well  as  the  preservation  of  natural  gas  and  petroleum  in  com- 
mercial quantities. 

The  first  well  to  obtain  oil  in  Lewis  county  was  one  drilled 
in  1894  by  the  South  Penn  Oil  Compnay  on  the  farm  of  John 
Rastle,  near  the  head  of  Fink  creek,  not  far  from  the  Doddridge 
county  line.  The  well  was  small,  as  was  also  others  drilled  near 
it,  so  that  not  much  development  took  place  in  the  county  until 
several  years  later  when  a well  on  the  Camden  farm,  Polk  creek, 
four  miles  west  from  Weston,  was  drilled  into  the  Big  Injun 
Sand  by  Mr.  Fred  S.  Rich  and  the  Southern  Oil  Company.  This 
well  when  deep  in  the  sand  struck  a rich  pocket  of  oil,  and  be- 
gan to  flow  at  the  rate  of  500  barrels  daily.  It  declined  rapidly 
to  a few  barrels  daily,  and  no  other  large  wells  were  found  in 
the  region.  It  served  the  purpose,  however,  of  attracting  the  at- 
tention of  the  oil  fraternity  to  Lewis  county,  and  soon  led  to  the 
drilling  of  test  wells  in  other  portions  of  the  county,  as  well  as  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  Weston,  so  that  many  large  gas  wells 
and  some  good  oil  pools  were  soon  thereafter  developed.  The 
first  large  gas  well  in  Lewis  county  was  drilled  by  the  Federal 
Oil  Company  on  the  Woodford  farm,  two  miles  below  Weston, 
and  one  mile  above  where  the  Chestnut  Ridge  arch  crosses  the 
West  Fork  river.  The  record  of  this  well  reads  as  follows: 


Woodford  Well,  No.  1. 
Authority,  Federal  Oil  Company. 

Conductor  


Feet.  Feet. 

IG 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


355 


Coal  135  to  141 

Coal  380  “ 388 

Sand  (gas  and  water) 400  480 

Lime  and  hard  slate  560 

Sand,  hard,  bottom  Salt  Sand 780  960 

Slate  and  lime  960  1000 

Red  rock  1000  “ 1010 

Slate  1010  1100 

Shells,  hard 1100  1130 

Red  and  black  slate  1130 

Hard  lime  1290 

Big  Lime 1320  1370 

Keener  Sand  1370  1380 

Big  Injim  Sand 1380  1460 

Slate  and  shells 1680 

Gantz  Sand  (little  gas) 1680  1700 

Slate  and  shells 1700  ‘‘  1790 

Fifty-foot  Sand 1790  1805 

Gordon  Sand  1880  1900 

Red  rock 1930  1935 

Sand  and  little  gas 2000 

Sand 2036  2056 

Slate  2056  ‘‘  2127 

Fifth  Sand  (gas)  2127  2142 


‘‘Good  gas  well  from  “Fifth’’  Sand.” 

3’he  following  partial  record  of  the  gas  well  which  supplies 
fuel  to  the  Ilosi)ital  for  the  Insane  at  Weston  has  been  given  the 
Survey  by  Dr.  A.  II.  Kunst,  the  Superintendent.  The  well  starts 
about  20  feet  below  an  opening  in  the  Pittsburg  coal  on  the 
Asylum  farm  and  its  record  is  as  follows: 

Weston  Asylum  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  Ilatzel  and  Wilson,  Contractors. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Gray  sand 940 

Slate  ; 950 

Lime 965 

Slate  and  shells 1085 

Lime 1095 

Salt  Sand  (show  of  oil) 1244 

Black  slate  1274 

Lime 1299 

White  slate 1339 

Red  rock  1442 

Sand 1462 

Red  rock 1542 

Dark  sand 1570 


366 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (LEWIS ; 


Little  Lime 1605 

Pencil  cave 1615 

Big  Lime 1680 

Big  Injun  Sand  (show  of  oil) 1843 

Slate  1883 

Sand 1015 

Slate  and  shells 2051 

Gas  Sand  (Gantz) 2066  to  2086 

Slate  to  bottom 2112 


This  gas  sand  here  would  appear  to  be  identical  with  the  oil  sand 
in  the  Fink  pool  along  the  northwestern  line  of  Lewis. 

The  following  is  the  record  of  the  Camden  well  already  re- 
fered  to,  the  coming  in  of  which  created  so  much  interest  in 
Lewis  county’s  oil  possibilities: 

• 8.  D.  Camden  Well,  No.  1. 

About  four  miles  from  Weston,  Freemans  creek  district.  Au- 
thority, Fred  S.  Rich. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  16 

Rock 8 to  24 

Blue  sand  and  lime 16  40 

Red  rock 25  65 

Lime  and  slate 30  95 

Red  rock 35  130 

Slate  35  165 

Lime 10  175 

Sand  (water  at  180') 25  200 

Coal  (Bakerstown)  5 205 

Slate  25  ''  230 

Lime  and  sand  (water  and  gas  at  300') ...  70  300 

Break  (slate)  5 305 

Sand 45  ''  350 

Slate 20  370 

Sand 80  450 

Black  slate  20  470 

Sand 130  ''  600 

Black  shale 30  630 

Sand  (water  at  650')  40  670 

Cave,,  black 80  750 

Sand 40  ''  790 

Slate  30  ''  820 

Lime  20  804 

Slate  45  ''  885 

Sand  (strong  gas,  1030  to  1050') 165  1050 

Break  (slate)  15  ''  1065 

Sand  (base  of  Pottsville) 85  1150 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


357 


Red  rock  

Sand  (Maxtoii?  Oil,  10  to  15-baiTel  well) 

Slate  

Red  rock 

Sand 

Big  Lime 

Sand  and  lime 

White  lime  

Quit  in  lime  at  1483';  Sand  (oil) 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard?) 

Total  depth  of  well 


20 

it 

1170 

38 

1 ( 

1208 

22 

<( 

1230 

20 

(( 

1250 

50 

(t 

1300 

110 

( i 

1410 

..10 

i i 

1420 

50 

( ( 

1470 

13 

(C 

1483 

2240 

(( 

2262 

2262 

“Estimated  production  from  1483  feet,  about  3000  barrels. 
After  oil  was  exhausted,  the  well  was  drilled  to  the  Fifth  Sand 
and  a test  taken  in  April,  1902,  showed  a volume  of  2,800,000 
feet  of  gas.” 

The  Pittsburg  coal  occurs  in  the  hills  here  about  200  feet 
above  the  derrick  floor  and  this  in  connection  with  the  record  of 
the  well  shows  that  the  pocket  of  oil  really  occurs  near  the  bot- 
tom of  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  although  it  has  become  quite  limy 
in  this  region.  Whether  the  sand  with  oil  at  1,170  represents 
the  Maxton  horizon,  or  the  one  at  1,250,  is  uncertain,  but  more 
probably  the  former. 

The  same  parties  drilled  a well  at  Camden  Postoffice,  begin- 
ning 20  feet  above  the  Pittsburg  coal.  This  record  is  an  im- 
portant one,  and  reads  as  follows: 


D.  Casio  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Camden  Postoffice.  Authority,  Southern  Oil  Company  and 
Mr.  Eich. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal 20 

Little  Lime 1500 

Big  Lime 1520  to  1675 

Big  Injun  Sand 1675  “ 1755 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2226  to  2232') 2212  2292 

Fifth  Sand  (Bayard  ?) 2451  ^ ^ 2455 


Did  8,000,000  feet  from  Gordon  while  drilling  through. 

This  record  shows  that  the  interval  from  the  Pittsburg  coal 
to  what  the  drillers  regard  as  the  Big  Injun  Sand  has  thickened 
to  1,655  feet,  and  that  the  sand  called  the  Fifth  in  the  Weston 
region  lies2,431  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  or  about  the  horizon 


358 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KEOORDS  (LEWIS) 


of  the  Bayard  Sand  of  Marion,  Monongalia  and  Greene  (Pa.) 
counties.  It  is  j)ossible  tliat  the  thickening  up  of  the  measures 
shown  by  the  ‘‘Big  Lime”  would  make  this  great  gas  sand  of  the 
Weston  region  the  same  as  tlie  Fifth  Oil  Sand  of  Harrison  county. 


J.  B.  Lovett  Well,  No.  1. 

Freeniansburg  Postoffice,  five  miles  northwest  of  Weston,  Free- 
mans creek  district.  Authority,  Southern  Oil  Company  and 
Fred  S.  Rich. 


Feet. 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  780 

Big  Lime 1235 

Big  Injun  Sand .' 1318 

Gantz  Sand  1808 

Gordon  Stray 1870 

Gordon  Sand  1900 

Fifth  Sand  (gas) 2100 

Total  depth  


Feet. 


to  1420 
‘‘  18G0 

‘ ' 1880 
‘‘  1950 

2115 
2130 


William  Winans  Well,  No.  1. 

Freeniansburg  Postoffice,  Freemans  creek  district.  Authority, 
Southen  Oil  Company  and  Fred  S.  Rich. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Redstone  Coal 

150 

Pittsburg  Coal 

180 

Maxton?  Sand 

1475 

to 

1490 

Little  Lime 

1670 

( i 

1680 

Pencil  cave 

1680 

( < 

1690 

Big  Lime 

1690 

(C 

1800 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1800 

(( 

1900 

Gordon  Sand  

2315 

( t 

2395 

Fifth  Sand 

2536 

{ ( 

2558 

Total  depth 

2558 

‘‘Brown  sand  and  pebble  top  of  Fifth  Sand,  sand  close,  hard  and 
glassy.  ’ ’ 

The  sand  which  the  driller  has  called  the  ‘ ‘ IMaxton  ’ ’ in  this 


record  is  evidently  a portion  of  the  Salt  Sand  (Pottsville) 
nearly  100  feet  above  the  one  doubtfully  referred  to  the 
Maxton  horizon  in  the  S.  D.  Camden  well.  This  record  also  shows 
the  presence  of  the  Redstone  coal  above  the  Pittsburg,  a frequent 
occurrence  in  Lewis,  Harrison  and  Barbour  counties. 

A well  drilled  on  the  J.  S.  Norris  farm,  in  northwestern 
Lewis,  although  not  the  deepest  in  the  county,  shows  the  highest 


WEST  VJ  lUifMA.  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


350 


“rock  pressure”  of  awy  well  in  the  State  at  the  present  time, 
according  to  Glen  T.  Braden,  President  of  the  Hope  Natural  Gas 
Company,  who  gave  the  Survey  the  following  record  of  the  well : 


J.  8.  Norris  Well,  No.  1. 


k 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Little  Dimkard  Sand 

Big  Diinkard  

340 

to 

390 

Salt  Sand  

750 

(( 

830 

Big  Lime 

1300 

i t 

1370 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1370 

1460 

Gantz  Sand  (gas)  

1630 

i 1 

1675 

Casing,  10-inch,  327  feet;  8y2-inch,  810  feet;  6%-inch,  1408  feet. 
“Rock  pressure,  1,125  pounds.” 


This  well  is  an  exception  to  any  other  ever  recorded  in 
West  Virginia  or  Pennsylvania  (of  which  the  writer  has  knowl- 
edge), in  that  it  gives  a greater  rock  pressure  than  can  be  ac- 
counted for  by  its  depth  and  the  weight  of  a column  of  salt  water 
calculated  at  45  pounds  pressure  for  every  100  feet,  which  is 
about  the  average  weight  of  the  briny  waters  found  in  oil  sands 
per  square  inch  for  each  100  feet  of  depth.  Applying  these 
figures  to  the  Norris  well  with  a depth  of  say  1,650  'feet  to  the 
“pay”  streak,  gives  45Xl6y2=742i/^  pounds,  as  the  total  rock 
pressure  of  this  well,  which  could  be  accounted  for  if  the 
c'olumn  of  water  back  of  it*  would  just  rise  to  the  level  of  the 
derrick  floor,  thus  leaving  nearly  372 pounds  unaccounted  for, 
or  an  equivalent  of  828  feet  in  depth.  But  how  do  we  know 
that  if  water  had  been  struck  in  this  well  it  would  not  rise  in  a 
pipe  to  this  height  above  the  derrick  floor?  The  surface  of  the 
ground  where  the  well  starts  is  only  about  1,000  feet  above  tide, 
.and  it  is  possible  that  the  source  of  the  water  (if  water  is  the 
cause  of  pressure)  may  be  at  that  elevation,  since  the  nearest 
and  lowest  point  where  the  stratum  in  question  emerges  above 
water  level  is  in  the  gap  of  Valley  river  through  Rich  and  Big 
Laurel  Mountains  below  Elkins,  and  curiously  enough  the  eleva- 
tion of  the  water  is  there  1,825  to  1850  feet  A.  T.  Then,  too, 
this  is  the  same  geological  horizon  which  gave  the  great  flow  of 
artesian  water  at  Philippi,  Barbour  county,  at  1,414  A.  T.,  re- 
ferred to  amon^  the  Barbour  county  well  records  on  a preceding 


360 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOEDS  (LEWIS) 


pag(e,  and  it  is  possible  that  if  the  supply  from  the  Philippi  well 
could  be  conducted  into  a closed  pipe,  it  would  rise  to  a height 
of  400  to  500  feet  more  before  stopping.  Hence,  it  is  not  alto- 
gether certain  that  the  recorded  pressure  in  the  J.  S.  Norris  well 
breaks  down^entirely  the  theory  that  oil  and  gas  well  pressures 
are  due  to  water. 

This  Norris  well  is  near  the  southwestward  extension  of  the 
Wolf  Summitt  anticlinal,  and  the  Pittsburg  coal  is  approximately 
200  feet  above  the  derrick  floor.  In  the  northwestern  portion 
of  Lewis  county  and  close  to  the  Doddridge  county  line  many 
small  oil  wells  have  been  found  along  the  headwaters  of  Fink 
creek  and  its  tributaries.  The  sand  is  sometimes  called  the 
Gantz  and  sometimes  the  Fifty-foot  by  the  oil  fraternity,  and 
it  is  possibly  identical  with  the  one ’called  “Berea”  in  Calhoun 
county.  The  records  which  follow  will  speak  for  themselves  as  to 
its  geological  horizon: 

Theresa  Gum  Well,  No.  2. 

Three  miles  northwest  of  Churchville,  Freemans  creek  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal 652  to  659 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1110  “ 1175 

BigDunkard  Sand 1210  “ 1245 

Gas  Sand  1446  “ 1486 

Salt  Sand  1530  “ 1610 

Maxton  Sand  1860  “ 1870 

Big  Lime 2100  “ 2145 

Keener  Sand  2145  “ 2150 

Big  Injnn  Sand  2150  “ 2275 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2470') 2458  “ 2479 

Total  depth 2481 


(Forty-five-barrel  well.) 

Theresa  Gum  Well,  No.  3. 

Three  miles  northwest  of  Churchville.  Authority,  South  Penn 
Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

687 

to 

692 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 

1120 

( ( 

1180 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

1230 

u 

1245 

Gas  Sand 

1465 

( ( 

1500 

Salt  Sand  

1550 

ct 

1630 

WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


3C1 


]\Taxton  Sand  

1880 

( c 

1800 

Little  Ijime  

2030 

( ( 

2090 

Bie:  Lime 

2110 

( < 

2180 

Bii*’  Injun  Sand 

2190 

( ( 

2260 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2516') 

2504 

( { 

2529 

Total  depth 

2531 

Grant  Gum  Well,  No.  2. 

Two  miles  south  of  Coldwater,  Freemans  creek  district.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Big’  Dunkard  Sand 

1015 

to 

1020 

Salt  Sand  

1350 

n 

1475 

Maxton  Sand 

1675 

( ( 

1690 

Big  Lime 

1920 

( ( 

1985 

Big  Injim  Sand 

1985 

li 

2053 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2308') . . . . 

2296 

i c 

2316 

(Thirty-barrel  well.) 

Pat  Walsh 

Well,  No.  3. 

Two  and  one-half  miles  south  of  Coldwater,  Freemans  creek  dis- 
trict. Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

670 

to 

677 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  

1010 

( ( 

1175 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

1210 

i i 

1245 

Gas  Sand 

1450 

1 1 

1475 

Salt  Sand  . i 

1540 

1 i 

1600 

Maxton  Sand 

1875 

( ( 

1880 

Little  Lime 

2050 

i ( 

2075 

Pencil  cave 

2103 

u 

2110 

Big  Lime 

2110 

(( 

2160 

Keener  Sand 

2160 

li 

2165 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2165 

( 1 

2290 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2491') 

2481 

n 

2504 

Total  depth  

2506 

(Fifty-barrel  well.) 


M.  A.  Fahey  Well,  No.  3. 

Two  miles  south  of  Coldwater,  Freemans  creek  district.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


(Steel  line.) 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal,  Pittsburg 

542 

to 

547 

Dunkard  Sand  

975 

1 ( 

1045 

Salt  Sand  

1390 

( 1 

1411 

Maxton  Sand  

1715 

i i 

1745 

Little  Lime  

1860 

i 1 

1890 

Big  Lime  

1955 

1 i 

2006 

3G2 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (LEWIS) 


Injun  Sand  2006  ''  2140 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2353')  2344  2370 

Total  depth  2371 

Michael  Fahey  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  760 

Dunkard  Sand  1290 

Salt  Sand  17cS5 

Big  Lime  2160 

Big  Injun  Sand 2220 

Gantz  Sand  2543 

Patrick  Faherty  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


to 
( ( 


Feet. 

765 

1365 

1850 

2220 

2380 

2562 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

695 

to 

700 

Dunkard  Sand  

1220 

a 

1300 

Salt  Sand  

1775 

( { 

1850 

Big  Lime  

2120 

a 

2175 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2180 

(( 

2335 

Gantz  Sand  

2490 

i( 

2510 

Thirty-foot  

2700 

i t 

2720 

Gordon  Sand  

2800 

It 

2815 

Fifth  Sand 

3027 

It 

3033 

A.  F.  Gooden  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

336 

to 

340 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

850 

1 1 

890 

Gas  Sand  

1100 

1 1 

1150 

Salt  Sand  

1220 

tt 

1340 

Keener  Sand  

1875 

tt 

1895 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1895 

1 1 

2050 

Gantz'Sand 

2190 

C.  K.  Gibson  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company, 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

570 

to 

578 

Cave  

980 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 

1065 

1 1 

1090 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

1130 

1 1 

1175 

Salt  Sand  

1505 

tt 

1880 

Red  rock  

1976 

Big  Lime  

2040 

1 1 

2085 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2085 

1 1 

2190 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


3g;v 


Gnntz  Sand  (i?as,  2438') 2437 

Total  (lei)th  . 2452 


Mary  E.  Hall  Well,  No.  2. 

Froenians  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

300 

to 

308 

Dunkard  Sand  

900 

it 

950 

Gas  Sand  

..1210 

a 

1280 

Maxton  Sand 

1420 

{ i 

1430 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1800 

it 

1920 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2155') 

2145 

i { 

2175 

Total  depth  

2177 

W.  H.  Hurst  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority, 

South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

554 

to 

560 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

1100 

a 

1145 

Gas  Sand  

1360 

t i 

1380  . 

Salt  Sand  

1480 

a 

1550 

Maxton  Sand  

1725 

a 

1740 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2040 

{ i 

2150 

Gantz  Sand  

2404 

it 

2420 

Emma  Jones  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority, 

South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

575 

to 

581 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

1000 

it 

1050 

Salt  Sand  

1550 

{ { 

1650 

Maxton  Sand 

1700 

{ i 

1750 

Big  Dime 

1975 

i t 

2050 

Big  Injun  Sand  

2080 

a 

2180 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2423') 

2422 

it 

2447 

Total  depth 

2490 

Timothy  Joyce  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

First  Coal  (Washington)  . 

82 

to 

85 

Pittsburg  Coal  

650 

i c 

657 

Salt  Sand  

1361 

it 

1440 

Big  Lime 

2040 

i i 

2120 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2120 

i i 

2200 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2451') .... 
Total  depth  

2451 

1 1 

2471 

2474 

364 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (LEWIS) 


Joseph  Krenn  Well,  No.  3. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Washington  Coal  . . 

150 

to 

155 

Dunkard  Sand  .... 

1260 

ii 

1320 

Salt  Sand 

1650 

1 1 

1675 

Big  Injnn  Sand  . . . . 

2205 

tt 

2330 

Gantz  Sand  

2572 

( ( 

2596 

Gordon  Sand  

2893 

(t 

2897 

Fifth  Sand 

3023 

Total  depth  

3058 

S.  P.  Leggett  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district. 

Authority,  South  Penn 

Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

224 

to 

230 

Little  Dunkard  . . . . 

680 

it 

720 

Big  Dunkard  

765 

a 

825 

Gas  Sand  

1100 

tt 

1113 

Salt  Sand  

1118 

i t 

1134 

Little  Lime 

1658 

it 

1673 

Pencil  cave 

1673 

t i 

1683 

Big  Lime 

1700 

tt 

1715 

Big  Injun  Sand  . . . . 

1715 

it 

1860 

Gantz  Sand  

2104 

it 

2124 

Gordon  Sand  

2414 

tt 

2421 

Total  depth  

2680 

M.  J. 

Lovett  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

240 

to 

245 

Dunkard  Sand  

780 

( i 

825 

Salt  Sand  

1105 

it 

1135 

Big  Lime 

1677 

it 

1735 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1735 

it 

1835 

Gantz  Sand  

2102 

i i 

2110 

Slate  to  bottom  . . . . 

2110 

it 

2690 

J.  R.  J.owther  Well,  No.  2. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

535 

to 

542 

Salt  Sand  

1450 

i t 

1550 

Big  Lime  

1940 

it 

2000 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2000 

it 

2060 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2390') 

2380 

it 

2400 

Total  depth  

2410 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


365 


M.  C.  Marsh  Well,  No.  1. 


Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 445 

to 

451 

Big  Dimkard  

. 900 

a 

925 

Gas  Sand  

.1225 

(( 

1290 

Salt  Sand  

.1325 

(( 

1355 

Maxton?  Sand 

.1570 

1600 

Pencil  cave 

.1895 

t ( 

1905 

Big  Lime  

.1905 

a 

1955 

Big  Injim  Sand 

.1955 

( ( 

2075 

Gantz  Sand  (gas,  2312') 

.2299 

( ( 

2319 

Maxwell  Heirs’  Well,  No. 

9. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 

Oil  Company. 

• 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 545 

to 

550 

Dunkard  Sand  

.1115 

t { 

1200 

Salt  Sand  

.1450 

i ( 

1525 

Maxton  Sand 

.1700 

i t 

1780 

Big  Lime  

.2000 

it 

2050 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.2050 

a 

2180 

Gantz  Sand  (gas,  2376  to  2386') 

.2375 

it 

2392 

Slate  to  bottom 

.2392 

it 

2395 

Leopold  Stadler  Well,  No. 

1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 

Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. 450 

10 

455 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  

. 965 

t i 

985 

Gas  Sand  

.1245 

it 

1290 

Salt  Sand  

.1300 

it 

1350 

Little  Lime  

.1820 

1 1 

1970 

Big  Lime  

.1880 

t i 

1950 

Big  Injun  Sand  

a 

2070 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2290')  

.2285 

it 

2311 

Total  depth  

2316 

J.  C.  8 tardier  Well,  No. 

2. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 

Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. 656 

to 

662 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

.1150 

i t 

1175 

Gas  Sand  

.1310 

it 

1410 

Salt  Sand  

.1535 

i t 

1685 

Keener  Sand  

.1965 

it 

1985 

Big  Injun  Sand  

.2010 

i i 

2110 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2511') 

.2501 

i i 

2535 

366 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (LEWIS) 


Mary  Albers  Well,  No.  1. 

Lewis  and  Doddridge  counties,  Freemans  creek  district.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittshiirg  Coal  

306 

to 

313 

Little  Dunkard  Sand 

775 

{ ( 

800 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

825 

ti 

850 

Gas  Sand  

1060 

( i 

1070 

Salt  Sand  

1155 

11 

1200 

Sand  

1422 

( ( 

1447 

Sand  

..1500 

n 

1520 

Little  Lime  

1673 

Cl 

1708 

Pencil  cave  

1708 

1 1 

1714 

Big  Lime  (gas,  ITSCK) 

1738 

Cl 

1802- 

Big  Injun  Sand •. 

1808 

Cl 

1906 

Gantz  Sand  (oil)  

Total  depth 

2154 

c c 

2180 

2185 

Mary  Albers  Well,  No.  2. 


Freemans  creek  district,  Lewis  and  Doddridge  counties.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Pittsburg  Coal 

Feet. 
..  551 

to 

Feet. 

556 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  

..1005 

c c 

1050 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

..1070 

C 1 

1205 

Salt  Sand  

..1415 

c c 

1455 

Maxtonf  Sand 

..1550 

Cl 

1630 

Pencil  cave 

..1995 

Cl 

2000 

Big  Lime  

..2025 

Cl 

2060 

Big  Injun  Sand 

..2060 

c c 

2180 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2410';  water,  2415').. 

..2405 

1 c 

2430 

G.  A.  Brown  Well,  No.  1. 
Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 

Oil 

Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

Feet. 

. . 655 

to 

Feet. 

660 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

..1090 

c c 

1155 

Salt  Sand  

..1520 

c c 

1615 

Big  Lime 

..2108 

Cl 

2150 

' Big  Injun  Sand  (show  oil,  2154') 

..2150 

C i 

2300 

Gantz  Sand  

..2468 

c c 

2490 

Stray  Sand 

. .2680 

Cl 

2695 

Gordon  Sand  

..2780 

Cl 

2794 

Fifth  Sand  

..2975 

Cl 

2976 

Total  depth 

3088 

WEST  VIEGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUEVEY 


3G7 


Dennis  Conroy  Well,  No.  4. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet, 

Pittsburs^  Coal 450  to  455 

Dimkard  Sand  960  1000 

Pig  Lime 1850  1925 

Keener  Sand  1925  1950 

Big  Injiin  Sand  1950  2000 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2290') 2280  ''  2300 

John  Casey  Well,  No.  1. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  None 

Dimkard  Sand 425  to  480 

Gas  Sand  590  640 

Salt  Sand  790  930 

Sand  1230  ''  1260 

Maxton  Sand  (gas,  1422') 1420  1440 

Little  Lime 1440  1450 

Pencil  cave 1450  “ 1460 

Big  Lime 1460  1560 

Big  Injun  Sand  1560  “ 1670 

Stray  Sand 2195  2224 

Gordon  Sand  2224  2236 

Fifth  Sand  (gas,  2410') 2410  ''  2435 


Cottrill  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

Mineral  Postoffice,  Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  Southern 
Oil  Company  and  Fred  S.  Rich. 


Feet. 

Feet, 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. . 176 

Little  Lime 

..1610 

Big  Lime 

..1658 

Big  Injun  Sand 

. .1700 

to 

1850 

Sand  

..2060 

Gantz  Sand 

..2005 

Gordon  Stray  

..2200 

Gordon  Sand  

..2276 

i { 

2330 

Fifth  Sand  (gas,  2515') 

. .2498 

{ ( 

2612 

John  Leyden  Well,  No. 

2. 

Freemans  creek  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 

Oil 

. Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

, . 610 

to 

615 

Big  Dimkard  Sand 

..1110 

< i 

1170 

Salt  Sand  

..1675 

( ( 

1735 

Big  Lime 

2105 

368 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (LEWIS> 


Big  Injun  Sand 

2105 

< < 

2260 

Gantz  Sand  

2412 

( i 

2430 

Thirty-foot  Sand 

2620 

( i 

2650 

Gordon  Sand  

2725 

( 1 

2735 

Fifth  Sand  

Total  depth 

2915 

i ( 

2920 

3010 

Brent  Maxwell  Well,  No.  3. 

Two  miles  west  of  Benson,  Freemans  creek  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Coal  (Washington)  

Feet. 
251 

Feet. 

Coal  (Waynesburg?)  

525 

to 

535 

Pittsburg  Coal  

819 

( ( 

924 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  

1250 

( { 

1303 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

1335 

( 1 

1365 

Gas  Sand  

1500 

(( 

1665 

Maxton  Sand 

2125 

( ( 

2155 

Little  Lime 

2180 

( ( 

2195 

Big  Lime  

2227 

( ( 

2280 

Big  Injun  Sand 

Gas  at  2309'  and  2315'. 

2290 

(( 

2346 

(Gas  well.) 


Ellen  Joyce  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  east  of  south  of  Coldwater,  Freemans  creek  district. 


Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal S20  to  826 

Uunkard  Sand  1340  1380 

Salt  Sand  1620  1710 

Maxton  Sand 2020  2040 

Big  Lime  2250  2325 

Big  Injun  Sand 2325  2405 

Gantz  Sand  (gas,  2625  to  2631') 2619  2637 

Total  depth 2640 


One  of  the  most  remarkable  oil  wells  the  State  has  ever 
produced  was  drilled  by  the  South  Penn  Oil  Company  in  1900, 
on  the  land  of  John  Copley,  about  ten  miles  southwest  from 
Weston.  As  the  venture  was  a test  or  “wild  cat”  well,  many 
miles  from  pipe  line  connections  no  provision  had  been  made  for 
taking  care  of  any  large  production.  But  when  the  drill  entered 
the  “pay”  streak  in  what  was  called  the  “Gordon”  Sand  the 
oil  immediately  began  to  flow,  and  the  well  “drilling  itself  in” 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


3r>o 


increased  its  How  to  what  was  ('stiniatvd  at  6, ()()()  barrels  daily, 
thus  making-  it  the  largest  well  evei‘  struck  in  the  StatA*.  The  oil 
Avent  down  Sand  Fork  creek  (wliich  was  low  at  the  time)  in  a 
great  flood  and  many  thousands  of  barrels  were  wasted  before 
the  prdouction  declined  or  could  be  controlled.  Much  oil  was 
saved  by  damming  Sand  Fork  creek.  The  production  of  the 
well  rapidly  declined,  however,  and  no  other  well  approaching 
it  in  size  was  found  in  the  region,  although  many  wells  of  good 
size  were  drilled. 

The  record  of  the  John  Copley  well  reads  as  follows: 

John  Copley  Well,  No.  1. 

Sand  Fork  region.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

250 

Dimkard  Sand  

850 

to 

010 

Salt  Sand  

1040 

i i 

1400 

Pencil  cave  

1805 

i i 

1020 

Big  Injun  Sand  

.1075 

i i 

2200 

Strav  Sand  

2000 

i i 

2020 

Gordon  Sand  

2020 

( i 

2045 

The  coal  struck  at  250  feet  is  identitied  by  the  drillers  with 
the  Pittsburg  coal,  and  if  this  det(‘rmi nation  is  right  (and  there 
is  no  reason  for  doubting  its  coraAMdm^ss)  then  the  depth  to  the 
Gordon  Sand  (2,370  feet)  would  reveal  a considerable  thick- 
ening of  the  measures  southw('stward  from  Weston. 

The  following  are  other  records  from  the  Sand  Fork  oil 
region : 

M.  Copley’s  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

Court  House  distinct.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

140 

Pencil  cave  

to 

1800 

Rig  Lime  

1800 

i ( 

1805 

Big  Iniuu  Sand 

18})5 

i i 

2025 

Stray  Sand  

2524 

Gordon  Sand  (oil)  

2530 

Parr  Mullady  Well  No.  11. 

Court  House  district.  Authority,  South  lAnn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 
187 

1785  to  1835 


Thftsburg  Coal 
Big  Lime  . . . , 


370 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOliDS  (LEWIS) 


Big’  Injun  Sand  1892  ‘‘  2075 

Stray  Sand  2545  2549 

Gordon  Sand  (gas,  2561') 2556  “ 2565. 

Fifth  Sand  (oil,  2727') 2726  2732 

Total  depth 2761 


Hero  we  find  another  productive  zone  at  170  feet  below  the 
top  of  the  Gordon  Sand.  If  the  coal  of  this  section  and  the  pre- 
vious ones  should  prove  to  he  the  Wayneshurg,  instead  of  the 
Pittsburg,  as  it  is  called  by  the  oil  fraternity,  then  the  thickness 
of  the  measures  would  be  about  the  same  in  the  Sand  Fork 
region  as  at  Weston. 

B.  F.  Clayton  Well,  No.  1. 

Court  House  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  345  to  348 

Dunkard  Sand  910  1000 

Big  Injun  Sand  ...2105  ‘‘  2400 

Stray  Sand 2734  2742 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2759') 2755  2765 

Fifth  Sand 2929  2932 


James  Murphy  Well,  No.  2. 

One  mile  and  a half  southwest  of  Bealls  Mills,  Court  House  dis- 
trict. Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal 580  to  583 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  1015  1030 

Coal  1105  1107 

Big  Dunkard  Sand  1189  ''  1234 

Salt  Sand  1840  1905 

Big  Lime 2200  2280 

Big  Injun  Sand  (little  gas,  2400') 2280  2450 

Stray  Sand  (gas  and  oil,  2887') 2886  2892 

Gordon  (dry)  2904  2910 

Fifth  Sand  (shell)  dry 3070 

Total  depth  3127 


“Sliot  with  20  quails  at  2,857  feet.  Filled  up  50  feet  with  oil 
from  Stray  24  hours  after  shot.” 

1.  N.  Means  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  southwest  of  Bealls  Mills,  Court  House  dis- 


trict. Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

525 

to 

528 

Coal  

1095 

i ( 

1105 

Salt  Sand  

1375 

i ( 

1540 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


371 


Maxtoii  Sand  

( ( 

1985 

Little  Lime 

2165 

i i 

2190 

Bis;’  Lime  

2212 

i ( 

2280 

Bis;’  Injun  Sand  (show  oil,  2320'; 

o-as, 

" 2385')  

2288 

( i 

2508 

Stray  Sand  (show  oil,' 2895') 

2895 

C ( 

290] 

Gordon  Sand  

2913 

C i 

2920 

Fifth  Sand  

3075 

i i 

3078 

Total  depth  

3097 

G.  TV^  McCutcheon  Well,  No.  6. 

One  mile  southwest  of  Bealls  Mills,  Court  House  district.  Author- 
ity, South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

515 

to 

518 

Dimkard  Sand  

1060 

i < 

1090 

Salt  Sand  

1400 

( i 

1560 

Maxton  Sand • 

1920 

( ( 

2005 

Big  Lime 

2220 

i ( 

2319 

Big  Injnn  Sand 

2319 

( ( 

2470 

Stray  (oil,  2878') 

2877 

( ( 

2885 

Gas  in  Gordon  Sand 

2899 

i 1 

2900 

Total  depth  

2915 

Beall  Tleirs’  Well,  No,  1. 

Bealls  Mills  Postolhce,  Court  House  district.  Authority,  Southern 
Oil  Company  and  Fred  S.  Rich. 


Near 

Fred 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 460 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand  

. 700 

to 

745 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand  

. 990 

< ( 

1020 

Salt  Sand  

. 1500 

i ( 

1715 

Maxton  Sand  

.1730 

( 1 

1745 

Big  Tjime  

.2020 

< ( 

2125 

Big  Injun  Sand  

.2125 

( c 

2245 

Red  rock  

.2635 

Gordon  Stray 

.2655 

( c 

2675 

Goi’don  Sand  (oil,  2755') 

.2745 

i 1 

2760 

Fifth  Sand  

.2940 

2942 

Total  depth  

2956 

J.  C.  Collins  Well,  No. 

1. 

Bealls  Mills  Postoffice,  Court  House 

district. 

Authority, 

8.  Rich. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 530 

♦ 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand  , 

.1010 

to 

1070 

Salt  Sand , , 

.1110 

(,  ( 

1190 

372 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (LEWIS) 


Little  Lime 2110  2125 

Pencil  cave 2125  2140 

Big  Lime  2140  2250 

Big  Injun  Sand 2250  2400 

Gordon  Stray 2794  2811 

Gordon  Sand  2826  2835 

Fifth  Sand  3010  3017 

Total  depth  3032 

(Dry  hole.) 

J.  C.  Collins  Well,  No.  5. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg’  Coal  600 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand  1160 

Salt  Sand  1465 

Little  Lime  2175 

Big  Lime 2200 

Big  Injun  Sand .• ' 2140 

Gordon  Stray  2852  to  2862 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2896') 2888  2909 

W.  S.  Kirkpatrick  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Gilmer  county  line.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal None 

Dnnkard  Sand 830  to  880 

Salt  Sand  1570  1650 

l^encil  cave 1805  ‘‘  1810 

Big  Lime 1810  1900 

Big  Injun  Sand 1900  2125 

Stray  Sand 2445  2450 

Gordon  Sand  2465  ‘‘  2469 

Fifth  Sand  (oil,  2681') 2680  2690 

Total  depth 2723 

J.  II.  Mertz  Well,  No.  1. 

Court  House  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  None 

Dnnkard  Sand  (585  to  730 

Salt  Sand  940  1010 

Big  Injun  Sand  1760  1930 

Stray  Sand 2366  237(5 

Gordon  Sand  2406  2421 

Fifth  Sand  (gas,  2584') 2582  2590 

Total  de])th 2608 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  373 

M.  M.  Sommers  Well,  No.  7. 

Court  House  district,  Snud  Pork  field.  Authority,  South  Penn 
Oil  Company. 

Feel.  Feet. 

Pittsbiire:-  Coal  445  to  449 

Dimkard  Sand 1050  ‘‘  1110 

Pencil  cave 2100  2110 

Big' Lime 2110  2180 

Big  Tnjnn  Sand  2180  2400 

Stray  Sand 2801  2809 

Gordon  Sand  (oil,  2821') 2819  2831 

Total  depth • 2861 

W.  H.  De7it  Well,  No.  1. 

Court  House  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 300 

Dunkard  Sand 1050  to  1090 

Pencil  cave  2080  2090 

Big  Lime 2090  ''  2180 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2180  2400 

Stray  Sand 2640  2646 

Gordon  Sand  '.2668  2673 

Fifth  Sand  2838 

Total  depth  3052 

J.  N.  Butcher  Well,  No.  1. 

Court  House  district.  iVuthority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Big  Dimkard  Sand  1050  to  1098 

Salt  Sand  1800  1990 

Big  Lime  2120  ''  2200 

Big  Injnn  Sand 2200  ''  2420 

Stray  Sand  2780  2787 

Gordon  Sand  2795  ''  2798 

Fourth  Sand 2840  2844 

No  Fifth  Sand. 

Total  depth 3103 

William  E.  Dordan  Well,  No.  2. 

Court  House  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal 325  to  329 

l)nnkar(i  Sand  900  950 

Pencil  cave  2000  “ 2010 

Big  Lime 2010  2060  * 

Big  Injun  Sand  2060  2250 

Stray  Sand 2681  2686 

‘‘No  Gordon  or  Fifth  Sands.’’ 


374 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (LEWIS) 


B.  Bohen  Well,  No.  1. 

Sixteen  miles  south  of  Weston.  Authority,  United  States  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


First  Coal 275 

Second  Coal  350 

Pittsburg  Coal  350 

Big  Lime  2275  to  2380 

Big  Injim  (gas,  2450  to  2475') 2380  2480 

Slate  and  shells 2480  2800 

Gordon  Stray  (oil,  2907') 2905  2915 

Gordon  Sand  2930  2936 


B.  Bohen  Well,  No.  3. 

Sixteen  miles  south  of  Weston.  Authority,  United  States  Oil 
Comitany. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

First  Coal  

Second  Coal  (Redstone)  

..  105 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 140 

Little  Lime  

..1765 

Pencil  cave  

. .1795 

to 

1805 

Big  Lime  .’ 

..1805 

Big  In]iin  Sand  (gas,  1920') 

. .1895 

( ( 

2105 

Black  slate  

. .2105 

( ( 

2165 

Sand  . . '. 

. .2165 

i ( 

2190 

Hard  lime 

. .2190 

( c 

2215 

White  sand 

. .2215 

( i 

2240 

Hard  lime  and  ‘Gjoulders”  (nuggets) . . 

. .2240 

( i 

2250 

Slate  

. . 2250 

( ( 

2270 

Hard  lime 

..2270 

( ( 

2295 

Slate  

. .2295 

( ( 

2315 

Hard  and  blue  lime  

. .2315 

i ( 

2365 

Sand3^  lime  

. .2365 

{( 

2375 

Black  slate  

. .2375 

i ( 

2405 

Ha  1(1  lime  

. .2405 

C ( 

2415 

Black  slate  

..2415 

( i 

2425 

Red  rock  

. .2425 

( ( 

2435 

Lime,  shells  and  slate 

. .2435 

i i 

2460 

Black  slate  

. .2460 

( i 

2485 

Gordon  Stray  (oil) 

. .2485 

1 ( 

2495 

Slate  

. .2495 

( ( 

2505 

Gordon  Sand  

. .2505 

1 ( 

2517 

,41iis  is  an  im})ortant  record,  since  its  details  show  the  pres- 
ence of  red  beds  at  530  feet  below  the  top  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand, 
at  tlie  horizon  wliere  they  are  so  often  found  above  the  Gordon 


WEST  VTEOINIA  GEOLOafCAL  SUUVEY 


375 


Stray  in  Wotzel,  TTarrison  and  Doddridge  conntios  to  .the  west, 
thus  tending’  to  eonhi'ni  tlie  icientification  of  the  “Stray”  and 
Gordon  Sands  in  the  Sand  Fork  i)ool,  notwithstanding?  their 
mnch  greater  interval  below  the  Pittsburg  coal. 

A little  oil  was  once  found  in  the  “Panhandle”  of  Lewis 
county,  between  Upshur  and  Braxton.  The  oil  occurs  in  the 
bottom  of  the  “Salt  Sand”  at  a depth  of  450  to  500  feet,  just 
above  the  red  IMaucli  Chunk  shales,  on  a tributary  of  the  Little 
Kanawha  river  known  as  Wild  Cat.  The  oil  is  of  light  gravity 
and  amber  color,  but  is  so  mixed  up  with  water  that  no  paying 
wells  have  ever  been  found,  although  a fine  “showing”  has  been 
obtained  in  nearly  every  one  of  the  dozen  or  more  wells  that  have 
been  drilled.  It  aj)pears  to  be  impossible  to  case  off  the  water 
without  also  shutting  out  the  oil. 

GILMEli  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Gilmer  county  lies  southwest  from  the  western  half  of  Lewis 
county,  and  hence  the  rock  formations  found  in  the  Sand  Fork 
region  of  the  latter  pass  directly  into  the  underground  structure 
of  Gihner.  Sand  Fork  creek  flows  down  the  central  portion  of  a 
great  synclinal  ti'ough  in  which  the  rocks  dip  to  the  southwest 
as  well  as  to  the  northwest  and  southeast.  This  tilted  synclinal 
structur(i  s(4,s  in  somewhere  east  from  AVeston  in  Lewis  county, 
but  does  not  attain  its  deepest  “sag”  until  near  the  Little 
Kanawha  in  Gilmer  (‘ounty,  near  the  mouth  of  Sand  Fork  creek, 
where  the  Pittsburg  coal  is  buried  to  a depth  of  more  than  100 
feet  below  water  level,  and  to  nearly  GOO  feet  alwve  tide.  Many 
of  the  grc'at  gas  wells  of  Lewis  and  Gilmer  occur  on  the  eastern 
and  w(‘stern  slope's  of  the  syncline,  as  well  as  around  its  tilted 
up  northeastern  ])ortion,  while  the  oil  wells  occur  at  lower  levels 
down  th(‘  di])  from  the  gas  wells.  The  oil  ])roduction  of  Gilmer 
is  practically  confined  to  the  extension  of  the  Sand  Pork  and 
Fink  i)ools  of  Le'wis,  since  although  some  oil  has  been  found  in 
nearly  every  test  well  drilled  within  the  county,  yet  no  paying 
wells  have  yet  been  found  outside  of  these  two  districts,  al- 
though it  is  quit(‘  possible  that  other  pools  will  be  found  when 
more  test  wells  have  been  drilled. 


37C 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (GILMER) 


The  following-  are  records  of  wells  in  the  Sand  Fork  pool 
adjoining  Lewis : 

W.  S.  Kirkpatrich  Well,  No.  4. 

Near  line  of  Glenville  district,  edge  of  Gilmer  county.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Pittsburg'?  Coal  210 

Dimkard  Sand  770  to  825 

I’ig  Lime  1855  1970 

Big  Injun  Sand  1970  2125 

Fifth  Sand  (oil,  2853') 2852  2858 


'file  coal  I'eported  at  210  feet  in  this  record  may  not  be  the 
Pittsburg  bed,  since  a coal  is  sometimes  reported  in  this  region 
at  70  to  100  feet  above  the  Pittsburg  bed. 


J.  PC  Moody  Well,  No.  1. 

Five  miles  northeast  of  Sand  Fork  Postoffice,  Glenville  district. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  ( Bakerstown  ?)  

.1025 

to 

1027 

Little  Dnnkard  Sand  

.1080 

i ( 

1095 

Big  Dnnkard  Sand 

.1131 

i ( 

1222 

Gas  Sand  

.1280 

( ( 

1328 

Salt  Sand  

.1372 

( ( 

1850 

Maxton  Sand  

.21(30 

i i 

2200 

Pencil  cave  

9228 

( ( 

2236 

Big  Lime 

.2236 

( i 

2306 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (gas,  2435') 

.2306 

i i 

2528 

Strav  Sand  

.2934 

i 1 

2941 

Goi-don  (shell)  

.2953 

Fifth  Sand  

.3094 

( i 

3098 

Total  depth  

3218 

Amanda  B.  Connor  Well,  No.  4. 

41  le  district.  Authority,  South  Penn 

Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Elk  Lick?) 

. . 325 

Big  Dunkai’d  Sand 

. 650 

to 

709 

Salt  Sand  

.1300 

i i 

1395 

Maxton  Sand  

.1515 

i i 

1550 

Pencil  cave 

,.1585 

i i 

1600 

Big  Lime 

.1600 

i ( 

1660 

Big  Ininn  Sand  

.1660 

( i 

1990 

Gordon  Sand  (shells)  

, .2410 

Fifth  Sand  

.2622 

i i 

2626 

Total  de])th  

2703 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUltVEY 


377 


W.  11.  Cox  Well,  No.  1. 

Olenville  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 

840 

to 

900 

Pencil  cave 

1850 

( ( 

1860 

Big-  Lime 

1860 

( ( 

1920 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1920 

( ( 

2070 

Stray  Sand  

2482 

( ( 

2492 

Gordon  Sand  

< { 

2510 

Fifth  Sand  (oil,  2678') . . . 

2677 

( ( 

2683 

W.  II.  Cox  Well,  No.  2. 

Glenville  district.  Authority, 

South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Elk  liick"?) 

430 

Dunkard  Sand  

700 

to 

740 

Salt  Sand  

1530 

i i 

1600 

Maxton  Sand  

1620 

( ( 

1690 

Big  Lime 

1785 

( ( 

1800 

Big  Injun  Sand  

1800 

i i 

1960 

Stray  Sand  

2450 

( i 

2460 

Gordon  Sand  

2475 

1 i 

2482 

Fifth  Sand  (oil,  2674') . . . 

2L73 

( ( 

2678 

W.  II.  Cox  Well,  No.  4. 

Glenviuc  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal?  

200 

Dunkard  Sand  

880 

to 

950 

Stray  Sand  

2700 

i ( 

2711 

Gordon  Sand  

2730 

i ( 

2740 

Fifth  Sand  (oil,  2929') 

2928 

i i 

2933 

Marshall  Estate  Well,  No.  3. 

Joes  run,  about  two  miles  northeast  of  Stouts  Mills.  Authority, 
J.  M.  Guffey. 

Feet. 


Coal  240 

Little  Dimkard  790 

Big  Duiikard  815 

Break  880 

Salt  Sand  (very  hard)  800 

Maxton  Sand 1790 

Limestone  1975 

“Blue  Monday” 2000 

Break  2020 

Big  Lime  2026 

Big-  Injun  Sand  2086 


378 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  ( GILMER  > 


Berea  Grif? 2230 

Red  rock 2G70 

Gordon  Sand 2G98 

Fifth  Sand 2SG4 

Total  depth  2898 


Iludnall  Well,  No.  1. 

On  Sliding  Hill  rnn,  one  half  mile  from  mouth,  near  Stouts 
Mills.  Authority,  J.  M.  Guffey. 

Thickness,  Depth, 

Feet.  Feet. 


Gravel  25  25 

Limestone  15  40 

Red  rock  10  ^ 50 

Limestone  10  60 

Red  rock  5 G5 

Slate  27  92 

Coal,  Pittsburg 9 101 

Limestone  29  130 

Slate  2 132 

Sand  G8  200 

Red  rock  7 207 

Slate  5 212 

Limestone  33  245 

Red  rock  10  255 

Slate  5 2G0 

Red  rock  30  290 

Sand  G5  355 

Slate,  break  2 357 

Sand,  hard  18  375 

Slate  5 380 

Limestone  ! 5 385 

Sand,  hard  31  41G 

Slate  10  42G 

Coal  (Fiiendsville'?)  3 429 

Limestone  17  44G 

Red  rock  4 450 

Slate  5 455 

Red  rock  40  495 

Limestone  15  510 

Slate  10  520 

Pink  rock  35  555 

Limestone  15  570 

Sand  20  590 

Slate  30  G20 

Pink  rock  20  G40 

Slate  10  G50 

Dunkard  Sand  (Mahoning)  G5  715 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


im 


Limestone  

Sand 

Sand  and  sliell 

Sand 

Coal  

Sand  

Slate,  break  

Sand  

Slate  

Sand  

Slate,  break  

Sand  

Slate,  shell  

Slate,  black  

Slate  and  shell 

Sand  and  shell 

Limestone,  blue 

Sand  

Slate  and  shell 

Sand,  black  

Sand,  j^Tay  

Slate,  black  

Sand,  white  

Slate,  black  

“^and,  white  (base  Pottsville) 

1 iate,  white  

Red  rock  

Slate  and  shell 

Red  rock  

Limestone,  hard 

Slate  and  shell 

Limestone  

Slate  and  sliell 

Limestone  

Limestone,  sandy  

Sand 

Slate,  black 

Bij?  Lime  

Keener  Sand  

Limestone,  hai-d 

Rig  Injun  Sand 

Slate,  break  

Sand 

Limestone,  sand 

Slate  and  shell 

Slate,  black  

Sand  sliell 

Slate,  dark  


. 15 

730 

. 05 

705 

. 45 

840 

. 35 

875 

. 5 

880 

. 30 

910 

. 2 

912 

, 08 

980 

3 

983 

24 

1007 

3 

1010 

42 

1052 

48 

1100 

20 

1120 

20 

1146 

9 

1155 

20 

1175 

12 

1187 

130 

1323 

0 

1329 

87 

1416 

112 

1528 

10 

1538 

50 

1588 

08 

1050 

10 

1000 

TO 

1078 

10 

1088 

10 

1098 

10 

1708 

10 

1718 

10 

1728 

30 

1758 

12 

1770 

10 

1780 

20 

1800 

5 

1805 

00 

1805 

10 

1875 

10 

1885 

105 

1990 

7 

1997 

53 

2050 

30 

2080 

70 

2150 

25 

2175 

5 

2180 

40 

2220 

380 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (GILMER) 


l 


Sand,  black  20 

Slate  and  shell 165 

Red  rock  5 

Slate  and  shell 85 

Sand,  Gordon  7 

Slate  and  shell 83 

Red  rock  10 

Slate  and  shell 60 

Fifth  Sand  (oil)  12 

Bottom  


2240 

2405 

2410 

2495 

2502 

258L 

2595 

2655 

2667 

2672 


This  record  is  important  for  the  many  stratigraphic  details 


it  affords. 


Heath  Well,  No.  1. 

Butcher  Fork  of  Sand  Fork  creek,  near  Lewis  county  liae. 
Authority,  J.  M.  Guffey. 


Slate  

Red  rock 

Slate  

Sand 

Slate  

Sand  

Red  rock  

Slate  

Slate  and  shells  . 
Sand  (Dunkard) 

Lime 

Sand  

Slate  

Lime 

Sand,  white 

Lime  

Sand  (Pottsville) 

Red  rock  

Slate  and  shells  . 

Lime  

Slate  

Big  Lime  

Big  Injim  Sand  . 
Slate  and  shells  . 
Sand  (Gantz)  . . . 

Slate  

Red  rock  

Slate  

Sand  (Stray)  . . . 
Shale,  white  .... 


Thickness, 

Feet. 

. . . 70 

...  100 
...  100 
. . . 60 
. . . 20 
. ..  34 

. . . 50 

. . . 60 
. ..  140 
. ..  50 

. ..  60 
. ..  150 
. . . 80 
. . . 30 

. ..  150 
. . . 50 

. ..  430 
. . . 75 

. ..  150 
. . . 25 

. . . 30 

. . . 90 

, ..  200 
. . 275 
. . 20 
. . 35 

. . 10 
. . 30 

15 
. . 13 


Depth, 

Feet. 

66 

186 

286 

346 

366 

400 

450 

510 

650 

700 

760 

910 

990 

1020 

1170 

1220 

1650 

1725 

1875 

1900 

1930 

2020 

2220 

2495 

2515 

2550 

2560 

2590 

2605 

2618 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


381 


Sand,  Gordon 

7 

2625 

Slate  

. . . 54 

2670 

B^iod  rock  

. . . 21 

2700 

Slate,  dark  

...  30 

2730 

;^and,  Fifth 

. . . 47 

2777 

Slate,  white  

...  3 

2780 

Total  depth 

2825 

Lynch  Well,  No.  4. 

Crossing.  Authority,  J.  M.  Guffey. 

Thickness, 

Depth, 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Red  rock,  slate  and  limestone 

715 

Coal?  

. . . 5 

720 

Slate,  limestone  and  red  rock? 

. ..  80 

800 

Big  Dimkard  Sand  and  slate 

1400 

Salt  Sand  

. ..  160 

Maxton  Sand  

. ..  100 

1700 

Limestone  and  slate 

. ..  180 

1880 

Little  Lime  

20 

1902  (?) 

Pencil  cave 

22 

(?) 

‘^Blne  Monday’’ 

. . . 50 

1952 

Big  Lime 

. ..  100 

2052 

Big  Injun  Sand  

. ..  150 

2202 

Slate  

2237 

Berea  Grit  

. . . 25 

Slate  

Gordon  Sand  

3 

2625 

Slate  

. ..  179 

2804 

Fifth  Sand  

8 

Total  de})th 

2830 

This  record  is  very  defective,  but  the  ineasurenieiits  to  the 
main  sands  are  prol)ably  recorded  correctly. 

William  E.  Lively  Well,  No.  1. 

Glenville  district.  Autliority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

Dnnkard  Sand  

to 

776 

Salt  Sand  

( ( 

919 

Maxton  vSand  

1835 

( i 

18()5 

Pencil  cave  

i i 

19()2 

Big  Lime 

i i 

2000 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1 ( 

2100 

Gordon  Sand  

2585 

Fifth  Sand  

Total  depth  

2908 

The  following  are  records  of  wells  drilled  across  the  Gilmer 


382  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  i GILMER) 

county  line  in  the  southwest  extension  of  the  Fink 
alon^  the  edge  of  Doddridge  county : 

J.  C.  Bush  Well,  No.  1. 

Troy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Coal  (Uniontown?)  130  to 

Black  cave  840 

Salt  Sand  1390 

Sand  (Maxton?)  1580 

Pencil  cave 1735 

Big  Lime  1780 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1900') 1840  ‘‘ 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2238  to  2248') 2236  ‘‘ 

Bottom  


J.  C.  Bush  Well,  No.  2. 

Troy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Dunkard  Sand 850  to 

Sand  935 

Sand  990 

Sand 1145  ‘ ‘ 

Sand  ? 1182 

Maxton  Sand 1460 

Sand  1670  ‘‘ 

Big  Lime 1805  “ 

Big  Injun  Sand  1895  “ 

Gantz  Sand  (oil,  2266  to  2275') 2266  ‘‘ 

Total  depth  


C.  B.  Bush  Well,  No.  1. 

Troy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Com])any. 

Feet. 


Black  cave  750 

Sand  795 

Big  Dunkard  Sand 910  to 

Slate  950 

Sand  960 

Slate  1000 

Salt  Sand  1020 

Slate  1100 

Sand 1150 

Maxton^  Sand  (gas)  . . . ., 1335 

Sand  1555 

Little  Lime  1660 

Big  Lime 1710 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1820') 1770  '' 


creek  pool 


Feet. 

1311/2 

1520 

1670 


1920 

2271 

2276 


Feet. 

885 

970 

1030 

1170 

1215 

1600 

1710 

1895 

1940 

2280 

2293 


Feet. 


940 


1375 


1770 

1828 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


383 


Sand  and  slidls 2110 

Gaiitz  Sand  (i^as,  2150') 2154  2160 

Shells- 2525  ‘‘  2725 

Soft  slate  to  bottom 2725  2735 


The  Gordon  and  Fifth  Sands  are  indicated  only  by  Shells 
in  this  well. 

L.  A.  Law  Well,  No.  1. 

Troy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Small  show  of  coal  (Pittsburg) 210  to  212 

Big  Diinkard  Sand  960  “ 995 

Salt  Sand  1200  1331 

Maxton?  Sand 1460  1540 

Big  Lime  1800  1890 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1910') 1897  ‘‘  1960 

Stray  Sand 2480  2490 

Gordon  Sand  2495  2497 

Fifth  Sand  2705  ''  2715 

Depth  2740 


Thomas  Scott  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  north  of  Troy  Postofhee,  on  Cove  creek. 
Authority,  Carter  Oil  Compai|§. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  

700 

to 

710 

Salt  Sand  

810 

( ( 

866 

Salt  Sand  

970 

( ( 

1195 

Maxton  Sand 

1450 

( i 

1460 

Big  Lime  (gas  top)  

1535 

( ( 

1615 

Big  Injun  Sand  

1640 

( 1 

1680 

Berea  Sand  

2020 

( i 

2035 

Total  depth 

3204 

(Dry.) 


South  from  the  Little  Kanawha  river  there  have  been  several 
large  gas  wells  drilled  in  the  vicinity  of  Stumptown  by  the 
Stunij)town  Oil  & Gas  Company.  They  are  clustered  along  the 
general  line  of  the  ChestJiut  Pidge  anticlinal,  and  the  gas  is 
obtained  in  the  Pottsville,  or  “Salt  Sand,”  formation  of  the 
drillers. 

One  of  these  wells  shows  the  following  succession,  as  fur- 
nished })y  Mr.  John  T.  Harris,  Secretary  of  the  Company. 

No.  3 Well,  Stumptown  Oil  cb  Gas  Co. 

Feet.  Feet. 

485  to  620 


First  Cow  Run  Sand 


384 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (GILMEE) 


Lime  and  slate 

, . . . 620 

( c 

695 

Sand  

695 

i ( 

710 

Tjime,  shells  and  slate  

710 

.i  ( 

785 

land  

785 

i i 

890 

jime,  shells  and  slate  

890 

( ( 

1178 

Coal  

1178 

i ( 

1186 

Lime 

1186 

i ( 

1215 

“Salt  Sand”  (“big  gas”) 

1215 

Well  No.  4,  Stumptown  Oil  & Gas  Co. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Unrecorded  

0 

to 

140 

Red  rock,  lime  and  shells 

....  185 

{ ( 

325 

Coal  

....  4 

( ( 

329 

Red  rock,  lime  and  shells 

166 

( c 

495 

First  Cow  Rim  Sand  (Mahoning) . . . . 

....  120 

( ( 

615 

Limestone,  shells  and  slate 

....  95 

i 1 

710 

Sand  

....  18 

i i 

728 

Limestone  and  slate 

....  67 

( 1 

795 

Sand  

....  113 

( ( 

908 

Limestone,  shells  and  slate 

....  287 

( i 

1195 

Coal  

....  9 

t i 

1204 

Limestone  

....  26 

< ( 

1230 

Sand,  gas  . . ./ 

{ ( 

The  well  begins  abou^  100*^et  below  the  Pittsburg  coal,  and 
hence  the  Sand  struck  at  495  feet  and  called  ‘‘First  Cow  Run 
Sand’’  in  the  record,  is  most  probably  the  one  known  as  the  “Big 
Dunkard”  by  the  drillers  in  the  Sand  Fork  region. 

The  Rush  well.  No.  1,  Pvo  miles  southwest  of  Stumptown, 
drilled  by  Messrs.  Kenny  and  others,  gave  th ; following  succes- 
sion, according  to  Mr.  Harris : 

Rush  Well,  No.  1. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Slate  and  shells 225  to  250 

Sand  250  275 

Lime  and  slate 275  300 

Red  rock  300  400 

Sand  400  425 

Slate  425  450 

Red  rock  450  525 

Lime  525  565 

Red  rock  565  “ 580 

Slate  and  shell 580  “ 665 

Cow  Run  Sand,  slate  and  shell 6(i5  “ 775 

Hard,  white  lime 775  800 

Sand  800  920 


WEST  VIBGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUBVEY 


Slate  and  shells 

920 

940 

Sand  

940 

t i 

053 

Coal  

953 

1 1 

960 

Sand  

960 

i ( 

1050 

Coal  

1050 

i 1 

1056 

Slate  and  shells 

1056 

( ( 

1100 

Sand  

1100 

( ( 

1160 

Slate  and  shale  

1160 

( < 

1280 

Lime  

1280 

i ( 

1350 

Slate  and  shell 

1350 

( i 

1400 

Lime  

1400 

1 1 

1430 

Slate  and  shell 

1430 

( i 

1475 

Sand  (gas.  1480';  oil,  1500') 

1475 

( < 

1521 

Slate  and  shell 

1521 

( 1 

1540 

Sand  (oil)  . . 

1540 

t ( 

1698 

The  Band  struck  at  1,540  feet,  in  which  gome  oil  is  found, 
was  supposed  by  the  drillers  to  represent  the  “Big  Injun,”  but  it 
is  probably  higher,  as  would  be  indicated  by  the  following  record 
of  a deep  well  drilled  in  the  same  region  by  the  South  Penn  Oil 
Company : 


Bennett  Well,  No.  1. 

Bennett  farm,  just  above  Stumptown,  on  Bear  Fork  of  Steer 
creek.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Compamy, 

; Thickness,  Depth, 


Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  20  20 

Red  rock  30  60 

Blue  sand 35  85 

White  slate 15  100 

Red  rock  (cased  10-inch,  200^) 100  200 

White  slate 50  260 

Red  rock  60  300 

White  slate 35  335 

Green  sand 15  350 

Red  rock 50  400 

White  slate 65  466 

White  sand 35  500 

White  slate 75  675 

White  sand 110  685 

Black  slate  10  695 

Limestone  10  705 

White  sand 30  735 

White  slate 75  810 

White  sand  20  830 

Black  slate  13  843 


White  sand,  gas  (cased  8i/4-inch,  851') ...  25  868 


386 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KEOORDS  (GILMER) 


White  slate 35  903 

White  sand 40  943 

Black  slate  57  1000 

White  sandstone  75  1075 

Sand,  shells  and  black  slate 205  1280 

White  sand 55  1335 

Black  slate  96  1431 

White  sandstone  (Maxton?)  (cased  6%", 

1455')  50  1481 

Pencil  slate 3 1484 

Limestone  11  1495 

Sand,  hard 14  1509 

Sandstone,  soft  27  1536 

Pebbles  25  * 1565 

Black  slate  20  1585 

Big  Lime,  hard  60  1645 

White  Sand  (Keener)  10  1655 

Limestone  55  1710 

White  sandstone  (Big  Injun) 75  1785 

Sand  and  shells 100  1885 

White  slate 200  2085 

Slate  and  shells 200  2285 

Black  slate,  hard,  sandstone  and  shells. . . 100  2385 

Sand  (gas)  (Gordon,  or  Fifth) 2 2387 

Slate  and  shells 163  2550 

Slaet,  white  and  soft  to  bottom 118  2668 


The  sand  struck  at  1,280  feet  is  most  probably  the  one  in 
which  the  Stumptown  Oil  & Gas  Company  obtains  its  gas. 

The  first  deep  well  drilled  in  Gilmer  county  was  sunk  on 
the  Fisher  farm,  one  mile  west  of  Tanner  Postoffice,  in  1891,  by 
parties  from  Parkersburg.  The  well  begins  40  feet  below  what 
is  supposed  to  be  the  Waynesburg  coal  (but  which  may  be  the 
Uniontown)  and  265  feet  below  the  Washington  bed.  The 
record  of  the  well  reads  as  follow^s,  according  to  lion.  John  T. 
Harris  of  Parkersburg,  who  received  the  same  from  James 
Showalter,  contractor : 

Fisher  Well,  No.  1. 

Thickness,  Depth, 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor 8 

Unrecorded  36  44 

Red  shale  11  55 

Blue  limestone,  with  red  and  blue  shale 

and  sand  shells 77  132 


WEST  TIRGINIi.  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


387 


Red  rock  4G  17(S 

Hard,  blue  sand 20  198 

Red  and  gray  shale 42  240 

Red  and  blue  shale  with  blu®  sand  shells. . 58  298 

Red  rock  23  321 

Gray  sand 14  345 

White  fire  clay 9 354 

Red  and  white  shale  (cased  7%'"'  at  359')  68  422 

Blue  sand  10  432 

Red  rock  78  510 

Limestone  and  shale,  white 26  536 

Red  rock  24  560 

Black  sand  15  575 

White  shale  27  602 

Red  rock  33  635 

White  shale  25  660 

Red  rock  with  white  clay  at  bottom 10  670 

Gray  sand,  hard,  2^  at  top  with  1 ft.  coal.  . 3 673 

White  shale  57  730 

Hard,  sharp  sand 25  755 

Dark  gi’ay  shale  (cased  Mahoning 

6^"  at  778') y Dunkard  23  778 

Hard,  white  sandstone,.. 

blue  at  bottom 20  798 

Limestone  57  855 

White  sandstone  (Gas  Sand)  90  945 

White  slate 71  1016 

Hard,  white  sandstone 46  1062 

Black  shale 8 1070 

Slate  and  sand,  shale  and  lime 36  1106 

Sandy  shale  44  1150 

Coal  

Soft  shale  25  1175 

Sandy  shales 70  1245 

Fine  gray  sandstone  and  limestone 45  1290 

White  and  black  shale,  with  limestone 

nuggets  106  1396 

Sandstone,  very  hard  and  white 44  1440 

Black  and  white  shale 10  1450 

Dark  gray  sand 30  1480 

Shale,  with  sand  and  limestone,  hard 50  1530 

Limestone  20  1550 

Shale  and  limestone  (4%-inch  casing) ...  70  1620 

Sand,  hard  and  limy 55  1675 

Big  Lime,  gas  at  bottom 65  1740 

Sand,  white,  gas  and  little  oil  (Big  Injun)  63  1803 

Slate,  with  shells  217  2020 

Sand,  some  oil  (Gantz,  Berea) 40  2060 


388 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECOE'DS  (BEAXTON) 


Slate,  blue  305  2365 

Sand  (Gordon?)  6 2371 

Slate  69  2440 

Hard,  sandy  pebble 1 2441 

Slate  to  bottom  269  2710 

BRAXTON  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Braxton  county  lies  directly  southeast  from  Gilmer,  and 
extends  to  the  mountainous  region  of  the  State  and  hence,  so  far 
as  present  developments  have  gone,  has  no  oil  or  gas  production 
of  commercial  value,  except  at  its  most  northern  point,  which  ap- 
proaches near  enough  to  the  Sand  Fork  oil  pool  to  come  within 
the  zone  of  good  gas  territory.  Also,  just  at  the  edge  of  Gilmer 
and  Calhoun  counties  a little  oil  was  once  developed  by  the  South 
Penn  Oil  Company,  the  first  well  in  the  base  of  the  “Salt  Sand** 
giving  such  promise  of  a paying  proposition  that  a pipe  line, 
30  odd  miles  in  length  was  laid  to  bring  the  oil  to  the  Sand  Pork 
pump  station.  But  after  drilling  about  10  wells  and  only  four 
of  them  proving  productive  operations  have  ceased  in  the  region, 
and  the  four  are  now  producing  15  barrels  daily. 

The  following  records  will  show  the  succession  of  the  rocks 
in  the  vicinity  of  Rosedale,  within  one  to  three  miles  of  which  aU 
the  wells  are  located  on  a very  large  tract  of  mostly  uncultivated 
land.  Some  of  the  wells  may  be  in  the  edge  of  Gilmer  county : 

W.  G.  Bennett  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Soil  and  quicksand 

34 

to 

34 

Sand 

34 

< i 

160 

Red  rock 

160 

(C 

262 

Sand  

262 

it 

300 

Slate  and  red  rock 

300 

( ( 

400 

Sand  and  lime 

400 

( i 

460 

Coal  

465 

1 1 

472 

Sand  

505 

( ( 

530 

Lime 

530 

( { 

550 

Sand  

550 

(f 

560 

Sand  

577 

t ( 

590 

Lime 

661 

( t 

690 

Sand  

700 

ti 

730 

Sand  

900 

1 1 

928 

Lime  

n 

1155 

WEST  VIliGIUIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUEVEY  389 


Sand  

1155 

1165 

Sand  

1184 

1 ( 

1225 

Sand,  extra  hard 

1290 

tt 

1415 

Coal  

1547 

Sand  

1560 

a 

1580 

Slate  

1580 

1 1 

1585 

Sand  

1585 

( ( 

1610 

^‘Oil  and  gas,  1592  feet;  oil,  IGOO  feet;  salt  water, 

1610  feet.'’ 

W.  0.  Bennett  Well, 

No.  2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

to 

500 

Sand  

600 

a 

640 

Sand  

780 

u 

840 

Lime  

840 

a 

955 

Sand  

955 

(( 

1000 

Sand  (gas,  1040')  

1030 

( i 

1150 

Sand  

1390 

( i 

1420 

Sand  

1475 

( t 

1530 

Coal  

1810 

( i 

1813 

Sand  (Maxton?)  

1876 

n 

1960 

Little  Lime 

2000 

tt 

2025 

Pencil  cave 

2025 

1 1 

2040 

Big  Lime 

2040 

tt 

2125 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2125 

1 1 

2220 

Shells  

9990 

1 1 

2420 

Gantz  Sand 

2420 

tt 

2435 

Fifty-foot  Sand 

2580 

i t 

2595 

Slate,  lime  and  shells 

2595 

1 1 

3090 

Hard  lime  shells  to  bottom 

3090 

1 1 

3275 

The  Bennett  wells  all  start  below  the  Pittsburg 

coal  by  an 

interval  of  100  to  150  feet,  and  this  record  exhibits  the  increasing 
thickness  of  the  Pottsville  beds  to  the  southeast,  since  the  Pitts- 
burg coal — Big  Injun  Sand  interval  has  here  thickened  to  over 
2,200  feet. 


W.  0.  Bennett  Well,  No.  4. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Sand  

326 

to 

340 

Slate  and  shells 

340 

tt 

520 

Sand  

1 1 

570 

Sand  

tv 

940 

Sand  and  lime 

1070 

1 1 

1272 

Sand  

1480 

1 1 

1510 

Sand  

1630 

tt 

1648 

Maxton  Sand 

1925 

tt 

1940 

Sand  and  lime 

1940 

tt 

1985 

390  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (BRAXTON; 

W.  0.  Bennett  Well,  No.  5. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Sand  150  to  250 

Sand  300  345 

Red  rock 345  350 

Sand  645  855 

Sand  880  980 

Sand  1180  1280 

Slate  and  shells 1280  ‘‘  1380 

‘ ‘ Gas  ” Sand  (gas,  1485') 1465  1500 

Lime  and  shells 1500  1535 

Black  slate  1535  **  1625 

Coal  1635  1645 

Salt  Sand  (oil  rock)  1665  ^ 1685 

Slate  and  shells  to  bottom 1685  **  1778 

W.  G.  Bennett  Well,  No.  6. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Sand  438  to  465 

Sand  540  558 

Sand  672  712 

Sand  780  830 

Sand  950  1154 

Sand  1350  1380 

Sand  and  lime  1440  “ 1727 

‘^Salt  Sand”  (oil,  1747') 1730  1756 

W.  G.  Bennett  Well,  No.  7. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Sand  400  to  450 

Slate  and  red  rock 450  700 

White  sand 700  760 

Sand  800  830 

White  sand 900  925 

Slate  and  lime 925  1180 

Sand  1400  1430 

Slate  and  shells , 1430  ' ' 1712 

Salt  Sand  (oil  rock)  1712 

Bottom  1733 

W.  G.  Bennett  Well,  No.  8. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  980  to  984 

Coal  1670  1674 

Salt  Sand  (oil  rock)  1680  1686 

Total  depth 1740 

A l)ed  of  coal  has  been  noted  in  several  of  the  wells  (and 

doubtless  occurs  in  all  of  them)  at  a few  feet  above  the  oil  bear- 

ing stratum.  This  sand  is  very  probably  the  same  as  the  gas 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


391 


producing  rode  at  Stumptown,  since  a coal  bed  also  occurs  above 
it  there. 

A test  well  drilled  on  the  Little  Kanawha  bottoms,  just  op- 
posite the  B.  & 0.  station  at  Burnsville,  gives  the  following  suc- 
cession, according  to  Mr.  R.  M.  Zahniser,  one  of  the  owners ; 

^ ^ Marshall  Well,  No.  1. 

Thickness,  Depth, 

Feet.  Feet. 

Clay,  yellow,  soft,  conductor 11  11 

Lime,  white,  hard 20  31 

Sand,  white,  hard  (water)  40  71 

Red  rock,  soft  10  81 

Slate,  blue,  soft  10  91 

Red  rock,  soft  (cave) 30  121 

Lime,  hard  *. 24  145 

Slate,  red  rock  and  shell  (water  and 

cased)  365  510 

Sand,  white  and  soft,  coarse,  with  pebbles  40  550 

Lime,  blue,  hard 15  565 

Sand,  gray  25  590 

Slate  and  shells,  white  and  soft 25  615 

; Lime,  gray,  hard  25  640 

Slate  and  shells,  white  and  soft 75  715 

^ Sand,  white,  hard  115  830 

Sand,  gray,  hard 50  880 

^ Lime,  shells  and  slate .’  120  1000 

„ Sand,  white,  hai’d 50  1050 

Slate  and  shells 70  1120 

' Lime,  white 20  1140 

Slate  and  shells,  blue,  hard 50  1190 

. ' Linue,  white,  hard  . 25  1215 

Sandstone,  white  '(oil  and  gas,  1407') 210  1425 

. Slate,  black,  soft 25  1450 

' Sand,  white,  hard 40  1490 

, Lime  50  1540 

Red  rock,  soft  95  1635 

Big  Lime,  gray,  hard ; 40  1675 

) Sand,  Big  Injun,  gray,  white,  hard  (show 

oil  and  gas)  42  1717 

Limestone,  gray 200  1917 

Slat  e and  shells,  blue,  soft 20  1937 

Sand,  gray,  hard 30  1967 

Slate,  black,  soft 20  1987 

Sand  (Gahtz?),  white,  hard,  (little  oil) . ..  5 1992 

Slate  and  shells,  blue  and  soft  to  bottom. . 290  2282 


392 


OIL  AJTD  GAS  WELL  REOOEDS  (BRAXTON) 


Tlie  well  starts  350  feet  or  more  below  the  horizon  of  the 

Pittsburg  coal. 

liohinette  Well,  No.  1. 

Oil  creek,  two  miles  northeast  of  Burnsville.  Authority,  William 

II.  Nicholson,  Jr.,  contractor. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  IS 

Red  rock 18  to  105 

Lime  105  “ 160 

Red  rock 160  175 

Lime  175  275 

Slate  275  300 

Coal  (Bakerstown?)  300  304 

Sand  304  322 

Slate  322  350 

Lime 350  ''  380 

Slate  .‘ 380  410 

Lime  410  430 

Sand  430  555 

Lime  555  570 

Coal  (Upper  Kittanning?)  570  579 

Sand  579  596 

Slate  596  ‘‘  600 

Sand  600  “ 660 

Slate  660  665 

Sand  665  735 

Lime  735  745 

Sand  745  855 

Lime  860  870 

Slate  870  ‘‘  1080 

Sand  1080  “ 1130 

Slate  1130  1180 

Sand  (1190') 1180  1255 

Slate  1255  “ 1300 

Lime  1300  ‘‘  1330 

Sand  1330  1370 

Lime  1370  1380 

Sand  (base  Pottsville)  1380  “ 1450 

Red  rock 1450  1490 

Slate  1490  ‘‘  1550 

Big  liime 1550  1660 

Big  Injun  Sand  1660  1800 

Slate  1800  ‘‘  1910 

Lime  1910  1935 

Slate  1935  2120 

Lime  2120  2148 

Stray  Sand 2148  2166 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  8UKVEY 


303 


Slate  2166  2170 

Gordon  SaiuUlittle  gas)  2170  2185 

Slate  2185  2200 

Sand  2200  ‘‘  2206 

Slate  2206  2310 

Fifth  Sand  (show  of  oil)  2310  2316 

Slate  2316  2630 

Lime  2630  2640 

Slate  2640  ''  2660 

Lime  2660  ''  2690 

Slate  and  shells  to  bottom 2690  2800 


The  Pittsburg  coal  comes  250  to  300  feet  above  the  ’ ;vel 
of  the  well. 


A.  L.  Jack  Well,  No.  1. 
Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Quicksand  

31 

to 

45 

Dunkard  Sand  

875 

i t 

940 

White  sand 

1110 

( t 

1130 

White  sand 

1160 

i t 

1264 

Maxton  Sand  

1317 

( c 

1342 

Salt  Sand  

1545 

( ( 

1685 

Pencil  cave 

1788 

i ( 

1800 

Big  Lime  

1800 

(f 

1850 

Rig  Tnjun  Sand 

1850 

2000 

Gordon  Sand  

< < 

2520 

Sand  

2650 

1 i 

2665 

Total  depth 

2920 

Three  or  four  test  wells  have  also  been  drilled  in  Webster 
county,  which  lies  east  from  Braxton,  and  wholly  within  the 
mountain  region  of  the  State.  Nothing  but  “slight  shows”  of 
either  oil  or  gas  was  obtained,  however,  in  any  of  them.  One  of 
these,  drilled  by  Meade  Brothers  for  the  Iladdix  and  Leading 
Creek  Oil  & Gas  Company  on  the  Vandervort  farm,  about  two 
miles  below  Cleveland,  gave  the  following  succession,  according 
to  Mr.  Hague  of  Tidioute,  Pa.,  one  of  the  parties  interested. 

Vandervort  Well,  No.  1. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  

35 

Quicksand  

25 

to 

25 

White,  hard  sand  

25 

( ( 

50 

Lime  and  slate 

50 

t ( 

125 

Sand,  hard  and  poor 

125 

( c 

158 

Lime  

( ( 

183 

394  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  BECORDS  (CALHOUN) 


Shale  and  lime 183  272 

Sandy  lime 272  365 

White  shale  365  385 

Lime,  sandy,  shale  and  red  rock 385  “ 900 

Sand,  probably  Maxton 900  “ 925 

Sandy  lime 925  950 

Black  shale 950  960 

Lime,  probably  “Big  Lime’’ 960  “ 1125 

Sand  (cave,  1200';  salt  water,  1225') 1125  “ 1225 

Sand  and  lime  (cased  0%-inch) 1225  “ 1265 

Red  rock 1265  “ 1285 

Sandy  lime  (Big  Lime) 1285  “ 1500 

Gray  sand  (Big  Injun) 1500  “ 1550 

Sandy  shells  and  slate 1550  “ 1600 

Lime,  shells  and  slate 1600  “ 1700 

Sandy  lime  1700  “ 1750 

Lime,  shells  and  slate  to  bottom 1750  “ 1807 


CALHOUN  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Calhoun  county  lies  directly  north  from  Braxton,  and  west 
from  Gilmer,  and  hence  is  within  the  gentle  dipping  rocks  of 
the  State  northwest  from  the  mountain  region  where  both  oil  and 
gas  exist  in  commercial  quantity.  The  development  of  these 
interests  got  a late  start  in  this  county,  owing  to  the  dry  holes 
drilled  at  an  early  date,  but  some  good  pools  of  oil  have  now 
been  found,  as  well  as  many  large  gas  wells,  so  that  Calhoun’s 
production  is  rapidly  increasing. 

The  most  of  the  oil  produced  comes  from  a sand  which  the 
oil  fraternity  has  dubbed  the  Berea,  and  although  details  in  the 
Calhoun  records  are  often  wanting,  there  would  appear  to  be 
but  little  doubt  that  this  “Berea”  Sand  is  the  same  one  that  is 
called  the  Gantz  in  the  Fink  creek  pool  of  Gilmer,  Lewis  and 
Doddridge  to  the  northeast,  where  it  underlies  the  Pittsburg 
coal  by  an  interval  of  1,840  feet. 

The  following  records  from  the  several  regions  of  the 
county  will  speak  for  themselves : 

Metz  Well,  No.  1. 

Fifteen  miles  south  from  Cairo,  on  Leading  creek.  Authority, 
Cairo  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Gas  Sand  1380 

Good  sand  to 1440 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


395 


Slate  to 1400 

Salt  Sand  to 1545 

Break,  slate 1603 

Good  Sand  1630 

Bottom  of  sand ; 1031 

Coal 1636 

Sand,  two  feet  1638 

Bie:  Bime  1642 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (gas,  1788';  oil,  1809') 1744 

Bottom  sand  1812 

Slate  and  shells 1835 

Bottom  Sand  (Big  Injnn)  1837 


James  Metz  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  west  of  Ayers  Postoffice.  Authority,  Lowther  Oil  Com- 
nany. 

Feet. 


Berea  Sand,  top 2111 

‘‘Pay^’  2130 

Total  depth  2150 


One  hundred  and  twenty-five-barrel  natural,  January,  1901;  15- 
barrel  June,  1904. 

James  Metz  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet. 


Berea  Sand,  top 2102 

‘ ^ Pay  ” 2120 

Total  depth  2156 


Fifty  barrels  natural  October,  1902;  15  to  18  barrels  June,  1904. 
James  Metz  Well,  No.  4. 


Feet. 


Berea  Sand,  top 2256 

‘‘Pay’’  2274 

Total  depth  2289 


Seventy-five-barrel  well  Augnist,  1903;  50-barrel  June,  1904. 
“Cow  Run  Sand  about  800  to  900  feet;  Salt  Sand,  1,400  feet.” 

11.  C.  Lockney  Well,  No.  1. 

On  Bear  run.  Authority,  New  York  Petroleum  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Soft  shale  410 

First  Cow  Run  Sand 630  to  642 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 680  “ 830 

(Eiglit-inch  casing,  955') 

Gas  Sand  970  “ 1000 

Top  of  sliale  and  blossom  of  coal 1006 

Black,  limy  slate,  having  smell  of  oil  and 

about  25  feet  thick 1275 


396 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  BECORDS  (CALHOUN) 


Salt  Sand  (little  gas,  1428') 1422  1460 

Top  of  Maxton  Sand 1524 

Pencil  cave  1575 

(Six  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing,  1580') 

Top  of  Break’’ 1605 

Top  of  Big  Injun  Sand 1615 

Squaw  Sand  (light  show  of  oil)  1690  1704 

Bottom  of  well 1736 

Finished  in  black  sand  and  slate  (dry  hole). 

W.  L.  Camden  Well,  No.  1. 

Sherman  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Red  rock  16  to  50 

White  slate 50  75 

Blue  sand  75  125 

Red  rock 125  155 

Red  rock 180  ''  250 

Coal  250  253 

Slate  253  298 

Red  rock 298  338 

Sand  338  398 

Red  rock  and  shells t 398  453 

Sand  453  470 

Red  rock  and  shells 470  505 

Sand  505  545 

Slate  and  shells 545  555 

Sand  555  ''  590 

Slate  and  shells 590  620 

Coal  620  624 

Slate  and  shells 624  644 

Red  rock  and  shells 644  ^ ^ 712 

Slate  712  792 

Sand  792  820 

Lime  820  850 

Sand  850  “ 915 

Slate  915  927 

Sand  927  1099 

Slate  1099  ‘‘  1119 

Sand  1119  ''  1214 

Black  slate  1214  ''  1378 

Sand  1378  1418 

Black  slate  1418  ''  1438 

Sand  (hard)  1438  ''  1464 

Slate  and  shells 1464  1619 

Salt  Sand  1619  1670 

Black  slate  : 1670  ''  1680 

Red  rock  1680  1688 

Shale  1688  ''  1690 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


397 


Big  Lime 

1690 

( ( 

1808 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1808 

( ( 

1872 

Slate  and  wsliells 

1872 

( ( 

2159 

Black  slate  

2159 

( ( 

2194 

White  slate  and  shells 

2194 

( < 

2480 

Pink  slate 

2480 

it 

2498 

Slate  and  shells 

2498 

1 1 

2901 

The  Venango  sands  are  entirely  absent  here 

as 

Sands, 

but 

their  place  is  still  marked  by  the  pink  or  red  beds  at  2,480  feet, 

672  feet  below  the  top  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand. 

Allen  Ilardmafi  Well, 

No.  1. 

About  three  miles  west  of  Grantsville. 

Authority, 

Carter 

Oil 

Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

No  coal. 

Cave  

....  470 

to 

790 

Cow  Run  Sand 

....  890 

it 

990 

Salt  Sand  

....1340 

it 

1620 

Big  Lime 

....1620 

i t 

1690 

Keener  Sand  

....1695 

i i 

1730 

Big  Injun  Sand 

....1775 

a 

1795 

Berea  

....2130 

i i 

2138 

Gordon  Sand  (shelly)  

Total  depth 

....2370 

2540 

Samuel  Ayers  Well  No.  1. 

On  Spring  Fork  of  Yellow  creek,  adjoining  Metz  wells.  Author- 
ity, J.  M.  Guffey. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Big  Lime  H5  to  1G05 

Keener  Sand  60  1690 

Big  Injun  Sand 30  1730 

Berea  Sand,  Gantz? 22  2140 

Bottom  of  well  2155 


Cornell  Welly  No.  1. 

Authority,  Courtney  and  McDermott.  By  J.  C.  Leonard.  Com- 
pleted September  4,  1901. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  16 

Salt  Sand  200  to  1300 

Coal  S 1308 

Unrecorded  192  1500 

Salt  Sand,  (gas  1510'  and  1525') 60  1560 

Unrecorded  14Q  <<  1700 

Maxton  Sand  40  1740 


398  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (CALHOUN) 

Unrecorded  13  1753 

Little  Lime 45  1798 

Big  Lime 92  1890 

Big  Injun  Sand 30  1920 

Lime  and  sand  shells 130  2050 

Slate  75  2125 

Black  shale  and  slate 125  2250 

Gray  Sand  (Berea)  and  slate  to  bottom..  84  “ 2334 

Lewis  Hamrick  Well,  No.  2. 

One-half  mile  north  of  Rhoda.  Authority,  Mallory  Brothers  & 
Stewart. 

Feet. 

Conductor  15 

Water  150 

Ten-inch  casing 276  . 

Top  Big  Dunkard  Sand 974 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  easing 982 

Gas  1510 

Little  water 1584 

Big  flow  water 1592 

Little  Lime  1750 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  easing 1752 

Top  Big  Lime  1766 

Top  Berea  Sand 2245 

Completed  2273 

(Forty-barrel  well.) 

L.  C.  Hamrick  Well,  No.  3. 

One-half  mile  north  of  Rhoda.  Authority,  Mallory  Brothers  & 
Stewart. 

Feet. 

Conductor  11 

Ten-inch  casing 363 

Eight-inch  casing 1176 

First  flow  water 1700 

Oil  at  1762 

Hole  full  of  water 1775 

Coal 1866 

Maxton  Sand  1872 

Little  Lime  1910 

Big  Lime  1919 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1938 

Berea  Sand,  top  of 2393 

First  oil  2409 

(Fifty-barrel  well.) 


.WEST  vniQINIA  GEOLOGICAL  8UKVEY 


399 


G.  W.  Taylor  Well,  No.  5. 

¥ 

Near  Rhoda,  on  Yellow  creek,  Sheridan  district.  Authority, 
Mallory  Brothers  & Stewart. 

Feet. 

Conductor  8 

Gas  310 

Gas  again 3443 

Water,  ten  bailers  445 

Gas  .' 480 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 869 

Gas  1335 

Water  ....'. !...1440 

Big  flow  water 1464 

Break  1646 

Maxton  Sand 1558 

Top  Big  Lime  1629 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1630 

Through  Big  Lime 1710 

Gas  1740 

Through  Big  Injun  Sand 1754 

Top  of  Sand  (Berea)  2115 

First  ‘‘pay’' 2132 

Total  depth  2150 

(Sixty-flve-harrel  weU.) 

G.  W.  Taylor  Well,  No.  6. 

Feet. 

Conductor  16 

Ten-inch  casing 277 

Gas  380 

Eight-inch  casing 964 

Little  gas  1520 

Water  1535 

Coal  1606 

Break  of  slate 1628 

Big  Lime  1694 

Six  and  five-eighth.s-inch  casing- 1726 

Top  Big  Injun  Sand 1778 

Gas  in  Big  Injun  Sand 1830 

Top  of  Berea  Sand 2206 

Oil  in  Berea  Sand  2218 

Total  depth  2238 

Shot  forty  quarts. 

(Fifty-baiTel  well.) 

The  coal  reported  in  this  and  the  preceding  weLLs  (Metz  and 
Hamrick)  so  deep  down  in  the  measures  may  possibly  be  somo- 


400 


OIL  AKD  Gi.S  WELLKEOORDS  (CALHOUN). 


thing  akin  to  Orahamite  like  that  in  the  vertical  fissure  near 
Macfarlan  in  Ritchie  county. 

G.W.  Taylor  Well,  No.  9. 

At  Rhoda  Postoffice. 

Feet. 

Condnctor  11 

First  casing 416 

Water  500 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1161 

First  water  1745 

Big  flow  water  1768 

Break”  of  coal  and  slate 1835 

Through  Maxton  Sand  1865 

Top  of  Little  Lime 1895 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1912 

Top  of  Big  Lime  1924 

Gas  in  Big  Injun 2005 

Through  Big  Injun  2020 

Oil  and  gas  (Berea)  2410 

Finished  2422  ^ 

Shot  with  60  quarts  from  2407  to  2419  feet. 

(Fifty-barrel  well.) 

G.  W.  Ta^jlor  Well,  No.  10. 

Feet. 

Conductor  12 

Showing  oil  1440 

Water,  little  1455 

Through  Maxton  Sand  1660 

Through  Big  Injun  Sand 1788 

Berea  2151 

First  ^‘pay”  oil 2165 

Total  depth  2180 

About  forty  barrels  per  day. 

John  W.  Rogers  Well,  No.  1. 

One-half  mile  southwest  of  Rhoda  Postoffice.  Authority,  Mallory 
Brothers  & Stewart. 

Feet. 

Top  Salt  Sand  1435 

Gas  and  little  water 1454 

Showing  of  oil  1454 

Big  flow  of  water 1515 

Break”  of  slate 1570 

Top  of  Little  Lime 1635 

Gas  in  Keener  Sand 1725 

Gas  in  Big  Injun  Sand 1740 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  401 

Berea,  top  of 2125 

^^Pay”  ,...2143 

^‘Started  otf  at  50  barrels.” 


Near  the  western  ])()i*ti()n  of  Calhoun,  just  northeast  from 
Richardson,  the  Carter  Oil  Company  has  discovered  a small  pool 
of  Berea  Sand  oil,  some  records  from  which  have  been  kindly 
given  the  Survey  by  Mr.  AV.  H.  Aspinwall  of  the  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany, Sistersville,  W.  Va.,  as  follows: 

Rebecca  Curry  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  northeast  of  Richardson,  Lee  district. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cave 

. COO 

to 

850 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 935 

( ( 

955 

Salt  Sand  

.1460 

( ( 

1623 

Pencil  cave 

.1038 

( ( 

1648 

Big  Lime 

.1648 

(( 

1810 

Berea  Sand 

.2172 

i ( 

2203 

Bottom  

2212 

(Twenty-barrel  well.) 

Rebecca  Gurry 

Well,  No. 

2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cave  

. 745 

to 

945 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. 945 

1 ( 

975 

Salt  Sand  

.1520 

( ( 

1610 

Cave  

.1660 

i ( 

16()5 

Big  Lime 

.1665 

( i 

1825 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1825 

( i 

1840 

Berea  Sand 

.2195 

( ( 

2222 

Rebecca  Curry 

Well,  No. 

3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cave  

. 800 

to 

950 

Cow  Run  Sand  

.1130 

( i 

1150 

Salt  Sand  

( { 

1845 

Big  Lime 

.1882 

1 ( 

2032 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.2032 

1 1 

2047 

Berea  Sand 

.2370 

i 1 

2398 

Bottom  

2398 

Rebecca  Curry 

Well,  No. 

d. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Saud 

. 940 

to 

950 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 

.1015 

( ( 

1060 

Gas  Sand 

.1100 

Salt  Sand  

.1306 

( ( 

1346 

Salt  Sand  

l( 

1715 

Little  Lime 

.1720 

( ( 

1735 

402 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (CALHOUN) 


Big  Lime 1747 

Big  Injun  Sand  1826 

Berea  Sand 2295 


E.  M.  Board  Well,  No.  1. 

On  Big  Rowels  run,  one  mile  north  of  Richardson. 
W.  II.  Aspinwall  of  the  Carter  Oil  Company. 


1826 

1920 

2322 


Authority, 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cave  

450 

to 

600 

Cow  Run  Sand 

940 

( ( 

975 

Gas  Sand  

990 

(( 

1120 

Salt  Sand  

....1180 

< ( 

1225 

Salt  Sand  

1470 

(( 

1629 

Little  Lime 

1640 

1 1 

1650 

‘‘Blue  Monday” 

1665 

ii 

1685 

Big  Lime 

1685 

( 1 

1762 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1762 

( ( 

1840 

Berea  Sand 

2207 

i i 

2223 

Gordon  (shells)  

2390 

( ( 

2399 

Bottom  

2575 

E.  A.  Fore  Well,  No.  2. 

On  Big  Rowels  run,  Lee  district.  Authority,  W.  H.  Aspinwall 
of  the  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Cave  500 

Cow  Run  Sand 858 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 940 

Gas  Sand  984 

Salt  Sand  1170 

Salt  Sand  1488 

Little  Lime 1640 

Big  Lime 1673 

Big  Injun  Sand 1744 

Berea  Sand  . . . .* 2192 

Bottom  


to 

I ( 
i ( 
( ( 
(( 
(( 
( ( 
{ ( 
I i 
( i 


Feet. 

700 

868 

945 

1006 

1200 

1635 

1665 

1744 

1828 

2220 

2221 


RITCUIE  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Ritchie  county  lies  directly  north  of  Calhoun  and  Gilmer. 
Being  also  bounded,  east  by  Doddridge,  north  by  Pleasants  and 
west  by  Wirt,  in  all  of  which  many  productive  oil  and  gas  wells 
have  be(m  found,  this  county  could  hardly  fail  to  yield  large 
quantities  of  each,  and  the  drilling  of  numerous  wells  in  Ritchie 
has  resulted  in  the  development  of  many  rich  pools  of  both  gas 
and  oil. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


403 


The  great  T^iiniing  Springs- Volcano  Anticli«al  passes  across 
the  extreme  western  edge  of  the  county,  and  as  the  pioneer  oil 
drillers  who  first  discovered  petroleum  near  the  crown  of  this 
great  ‘‘  (oil  break”)  arch  in  the  adjoining  county  of  Wirt  simply 
followed  the  same  north  to  the  Ohio  river,  drilling  shallow  wells 
every  few  hundred  feet,  they  soon  arrived  in  Ritchie,  and  its 
oil  development  began  in  the  early  ’60 ’s,  so  that  it  has  been  pro- 
ducing more  or  less  oil  from  drilled  wells  ever  since,  and  as  ex- 
plained in  Chapter  I,  its  commercial  oil  history  had  already  begun 
many  years  previous.  The  ‘‘shallow  oil  sand”  territory  along 
this  ‘ ‘ oil  break  ’ ’ had  been  pretty  well  drilled  over  and  exhausted 
before  it  finally  occurred  to  the  operators  to  drill  deeper  for 
other  sands,  after  the  Macksburg  developments  of  1883  and  1884 
had  proven  the  existence  of  a “paying”  sand  at  several  hundred 
feet  below  the  “Salt  Sand”  and  Big  Injun,  the  then  lowest  de- 
veloped oil-bearing  beds  of  Ritchie  county.  A few  paying  wells 
were  found  in  this  deeper  Sand  (Berea),  but  no  serious  effort 
was  attempted  to  test  Ritchie  county  for  oil  outside  of  the  “oil 
break”  until  after  the  Eureka  and  Maimington  pools  had  been 
developed.  The  first  active  operations  of  this  later  period  were 
in  the  vicinity  of  Cairo  in  1890,  where  oil  was  found  in  both 
the  “Salt”  and  Big  Injun  Sands,  and  from  this  region  develop- 
ments for  either  oil  or  gas  have  spread  to  nearly  every  portion  of 
the  county.  The  deep,  oi-  Voiango  group  of  Sands  appear  to 
have  practically  vanished  as  coarse  or  reservoir  deposits  from 
every  portion  of  Ritchie,  since  the  Big  Injun  Sand  is  the  lowest 
one  now  producing  either  gas  or  oil,  and  hence  the  Cow  Run 
(Dunkard),  Salt  Sand,  or  Maxton,  and  the  Big  Injuia  (with  its 
top  member,  the  Keener)  are  now  the  only  [)roductive  sands  in 
Ritchie,  since  the  Carroll  Sand  wells,  the  highest  oil  jn-oducing 
zone  yet  developed  in  West  Virginia,  and  which  formerly  pro- 
duced some  oil  in  the  vicinity  of  Cairo  at  about  200  feet  above 
the  Pittsburg  coal,  are  no  longer  opei-ated.  These  upper  and 
shallower  sands  have  proved  prolific  in  oil  and  gas  over  such  a 
wide  area  in  Ritchie,  that  it  produces  a lai-ge  amount  of  both, 
and  more  than  half  fhc  county  has  not  yet  been  fairly  tested. 


404 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  rRITCHIE) 


The  elevation  of  the  ^reat  arch  along  the  western  edge  of  the 
county  has  produced  n number  of  parallel  disturbances  which 
have  extended  across  its  area  and  created  structures  favorable  for 
the  cumubitioii  of  oil  and  gas  in  commercial  (quantity.  One  effect 
of  this  upheaval  (whose  greatest  dips  are  20°  to  30°  on  its  eastern 
slope  and  50°  to  70°  on  its  western  side,  separated  by  a broad 
and  nearly  level  crown  a mile  or  more  in  width,  within  which  the 
oil  pools  occur)  was  to  open  up  a deep  vertical  fissure,  one  to  five 
feet  wide  at  the  surface  and  nearly  a mile  in  length,  at  right 
angles  to  the  direction  of  the  flexure.  Through  this  opening 
much  oil  escaped  until  it  was  finally  choked  up  and  tightly 
plugged  by  caving  walls  and  the  residual  products  of  the  oil 
oxydized  into  Grahamiite  by  chemical  changes.  This  fissure  is 
situated  near  Macfarlan,  not  far  from  the  South  Fork  of  Hughes 
river,  and  about  four  miles  east  from  the  “oil  break,”  or  crest 
of  the  Burning  Springs  anticlinal.  The  deposit  has  been  fully 
described  by  the  writer  in  the  Bulletin  of  the  Geological  So- 
ciety of  America,  Vol.  10,  pp.  277  to  284,  April  1899,  to  which 
the  reader  is  referred  for  details. 

This  fissure,  as  well  as  the  great  flexure  Avhich  gave  origin  to 
it,  illustrates  how  the  oil  and  ga^»  have  been  lost  and  dissipated 
from  their  rock  reservoirs  in  the  mountain  regions  of  the  State. 
It  also  illustrates  under  what  conditions  very  steeply  folded  rocks 
may  still  hold  their  original  petroliferous  deposits  imprisoned 
The  reason  why  oil  yet  exists  in  the  rocks  along  the  “oil  break” 
is  becaus(‘  the  oil-bearing  sands  there  were  still  covered  up  when 


the  flexui-e  was  made,  by  a ^treat  thickness  of  soft  and  plastic  red 
shales,  clays,  etc.,  of  the  Conemausth  and  Dnnkard  series,  through 
which  ap])arently  oidy  one  fissure  extended  to  the  surface,  and 
even  it  was  soon  closed,  probably  at  first  by  the  caving  of  the  red 


shales  softened  by  oil,  just  as  they  do  now  when  the  drdl  pene- 
trates them  and  water  is  permitted  to  i-emain  in  contact  witli 
these  soft  clays  and  shales.  But  in  the  mountainous  regions  of 
the  State  there  exists  but  a sma.ll  thickness  of  these  soft  caving 
clays  and  shales,  and  hence  the  hard  rocks  readily  fissure  from 
folding,  and  as  such  lissures  do  not  close  themselves  tlirougi 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


405 


caving  walls,  practically  all  of  the  volatile  hydro-carbons  have 
escaped  from  mountain  i*e^‘ioiis,  unless,  indeed,  it  may  be  pos- 
sible that  some  are  yet  imprisoned  at  very  j»:reat  depths  where 
they  are  almost  or  quite  below  the  i)reseiit  limits  of  practicable 
drillinii*  operations.  The  hig'hly  folded  strata  in  the  oil  regions 
of  Califoiaiia,  Coloraxlo,  Wyoming,  etc.,  and  the  steeply  dipping 
domes  of  Jjouisiana  and  Texas  illustrate  the  same  principle,  since 
the  overlying  clays  and  other  plastic  beds  have  largely  prevented 
the  escape  of  the  precious  hydro-carbons.  The  oil  sands  of 
Grosny  and  Baku,  in  Russia,  covered  up  by  a great  thickness  of 
Tertiary  clays  and  niai’ls  also  confirm  the  same.  But  where 
escape  of  the  licpiid  and  volatile  hydro-carbons  has  taken  place 
we  get  such  oxydized  residua]  products  as  Asphalturn,  Giisonite, 
Urintaite,  Grahamite,  Albertite,  etc. 

This  Grahamite  of  Ritchie  county,  as  explained  in  Vol.  I, 
was  formerly  mined  and  ship})ed  east  on  an  extensive  scale  for 
use  in  the  manufacture  of  gas,  since  it  contains  about  60%  of 
volatile  combustible  matter,  but  the  easily  accessible  portions 
were  soon  exhausted  and  a disastrous  explosion  of  gas  in  the  nar- 
rowing fissure,  at  a depth  of  150  to  200  feet,  put  an  end  to  mining 
operations  eai'ly  in  the  ’70’s,  and  they  have  never  been  resumed. 
A highly  productive  oil  held  has  been  develoi)ed  on  either  side 
of  this  fissure  at  a depth  of  1700  or  1800  feet  below  the  surface 
The  wells  drilled  clos(‘  to  the  fissure  yield  oil  only  sparingly, 
while  those  a fuw  hundi-ed  feet  distant  are  of  fair  size  (20  to  50 
barrels  daily),  thus  ])j‘oving  that  the  Grahamite  is  a chemically 
altered  by-product  of  j)eti’oleum  which  has  escaped  upward  from 
below,  and  that  the  fissure  has  not  been  filled  from  above,  as  some 
have  supposed.  ’Jdie  main  j)rodu(dlve  oil  rock  underlying  the 
region  of  the  fissure  is  tlu‘  Big  Injun  Sand,  but  many  wells  have 
also  yielded  oil  from  the  “Salt  Sand”  above,  and  it  is  possible 
that  the  Cow  Run  beds  may  jilso  have  contributed  their  quota  of 
petroleum  escaping  through  tlie  fissure  until  its  walls  caved  in 
and  arrested  the  flow. 

Fi*om  this  short  sketch,  as  well  as  that  given  in  Chapter  I, 
it  will  readily  appear  that  the  oil  history  (which  began  in  a 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (KITCHlE; 


4()o 

commercial  way  long  before  Col.  Drake  drilled  his  famous  well 
near  Titusville  in  1859)  of  Ritchie  county  is  of  very  great  in- 
terest. 

Many  wells  have  been  drilled  within  its  boundary,  and  sev- 
eral of  their  records  will  now  be  given : 


Flannagan  Heirs^  Gas  Well. 

Toll  Gate  Well,  Cabin  run.  Authority,  E.  H.  Jennings  & Bros. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Sand  

95 

to 

105 

Sand  

150 

n 

175 

Hard  Sand  

210 

i < 

230 

Lime  

( ( 

384 

Bine  sand  

410 

i ( 

420 

Lime  

470 

i i 

480 

Lime  

560 

( ( 

580 

Lime  

700 

(( 

720 

Coal  

755 

( ( 

758 

Red  rock  

785 

( < 

815 

Coal  

855 

( ( 

857 

Hard  sand 

880 

( ( 

910 

Black  shales 

910 

(( 

920 

Sand  

920 

( ( 

985 

Lime  

985 

( i 

995 

Slate  and  shells 

1110 

i ( 

1240 

Sand,  sharp  and  nice 

1240 

i ( 

1300 

Coal  

1300 

( ( 

1302 

Sand  

1302 

i ( 

1312 

Slate  and  shells 

1440 

Sand  

1440 

( ( 

1500 

Sand  

1530 

(( 

1570 

Salt  Sand  (gas,  1620';  ‘‘break” 

' at  1635'). .1590 

( ( 

1668 

Big  Lime 

1668 

{ ( 

1740 

Big  Injnn  Sand,  hard  (gas)  . 

1740 

( i 

1824 

Shelly  sand 

2030 

( ( 

2130 

Sand  

2240 

a 

2255 

Sand  and  shells  (gas)  

2320 

i i 

2330 

Shells 

2380 

( { 

2390 

Sand  ■ 

2400 

(( 

2412 

Shells  

2470 

{ ( 

2475 

Sand,  probably  Gordon 

2486 

( ( 

2498 

Bottom  

2712 

The  Pittsbui'g  coal  horizon  would  belong  somewhere  between 
400  and  500  feet  in  this  record. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


407 


Mahaney  Ileirs^  Well,  No.  8. 


On  Bonds  creek,  one  mile  below  Hi^^hland,  and  two  and  one-half 
miles  north  of  Ellenboro.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Cow  Run  Sand 

Salt  Sand  

Pencil  cave 

Big  Lime 

Keener  Sand  . 

Total  depth  

‘^Gas  in  top  of  Keener;  oil,  1888'; 
(Fifty  to  one  hundred  barrels.) 


Feet.  Feet. 

..1060  to  1080 
..1500  1600 

..1794  ''  1802 

..1802  “ 1882 
..1882  1894 

1905 

‘^pay,”  5'  thick. 


Calvin  Butcher  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Highland  Postoffice,  Bonds  creek,  Clay  distriet.  Authority, 


Mallory  Brothers  & Stewart. 

Feet. 


Conductor  16 

Ten-inch  casing 320 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1132 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1630 

Keener  Sand  (gas,  1863';  oil,  1866') 1630 

Total  depth  1991 


Morrison  Well,  No.  7. 

Bonds  creek,  near  Highland  Postoffice.  Authority,  Mallory  Bros. 
& Stewart. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Wood  Conductor  10 

Ten-inch  casing  . . 374 

Eight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 1235 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1715 

Top  Maxton  Sand 1890 

Pay  Sand”  from  ....t 1904  to  1912 

Top  Keener  Sand  1997 

Good  Keener  Sand  2005 

Total  depth  (top  Big  Injun  Sand) 2015 

“Mostly  sand  and  shells  in  place  of  Big  Lime  and  where  the 
Keener  “pay”  should  have  been,  had  very  nice  white  sand  for 
ten  feet.” 


J.  M.  Whaley  Well,  No.  2. 

Bonds  creek,  near  Highland  Postoffice.  Authority,  Mallory  Bros. 
& Stewart. 


Feet. 

15  ' 


Wood  conductor 


Feet. 


408 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


Top  of  Maxton  Sand 1790 

First  show  of  oil  and  gas 1806 

Best  show  of  oil  and  gas 1810 

Bottom  of  sand 1814 

Top  of  Keener  Sand 1870 

First  gas  1882 

Gas  increased  to  about  1887 

Total  depth  (top  Big  Injun)  1912 

^^Very  nice  coarse  Maxton  Sand;  break  of  about  three  or  four 
feet;  white  slate  between  bottom  of  Maxton  and  Big  Lime.” 

V.  T.  Butcher  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  north  of  ITighland  Postoffice,  Clay  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Maxton  Sand  1832  to  1862 

Big  Lime 1862  ‘‘  1927 

Keener  Sand  1927  1950 

Big  Injun  Sand  1950  2085 

Creed  Collins  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  and  a half  northeast  of  Pennsboro.  Authority,  Car- 
ter Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  270  to  273 

Coal  (Pittsburg)  510  515 

Cave  800  1100 

Cow  Run  Sand 930  995 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1332')  1206  1400 

Big  Lime,  hard  (little  black  oil,  1800') . . .1750  1850 

Big  Injun  Sand,  hard  (gas,  1910') 1850  1930 

Berea  Sand,  soft 2200  2235 

(Dry  hole.) 

Cunningham  Well,  No.  1. 

Kear  Pennsboro.  Authority,  Bettman,  Watson  & Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 1056  to  1076 

Gray  sand  1200 

White  sand  (water,  1235') 1245 

Sliells  and  slate 1600 

Hai-d,  white  sand 1070 

Slate  1080 

Little  Lime  1080  1705 

Big  Lime  (O14"  easing,  1715') 1705  1700 

Slate  1700  1705 

Blue  Sand  (Keener)  1705  1770 

Slate  1770 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


While  Sand  (top  Rio-  Injnn) 1770  1785 

Slate  ^ 1785  1798 

Coarse  white  sand  (gas,  1814') 1798  1825 

Slate  ^ 1825  1830 

AVhite  Sand  (base  Rig  Injun) 1830  1840 

Shells  and  slate 1840  2040 

Very  hard  black  sand  2040  ‘‘  2100 

Sheily  2100  2440 

Dark  gray  sand  (Gordon?)  2440  2470 

Shelly  sand 2470  2000 

Rottom  2615 

Smith  & Co.’s  Well,  No.  1,  on  Wilson  Farm. 

Three  miles  southwest  of  Pennsboro.  Authority,  P.  E.  Boden. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Coal  (Pittsburg)  450 

Salt  Sand  1370  to  1592 

White  sand 1670  1755 

Shales  1755  1805 

Light  Amber  Oil 1805  1815 

Four  and  one-fourth-inch  casing,  1780  feet,  to  shut  otf  cave  at 

1200. 


‘‘Produced  five  to  fifteen  barrels  per  day  of  about  50°  oil. 
This  oil  took  the  premium  for  finest  cnuh  oil  in  America  at  the 
World Pair,  Chicago.  Wells  drilled  at  all  points  of  the  com- 
pass around  this  one  failed  to  find  any  other  ])roducers.  ” 

M.  V.  Ye7'hey  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  north  of  Ellenboro.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Cave  500  to  750 

First  Cow  Run  Sand 800  815 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 900  925 

Salt  Sand  1200  1360 

Maxton  Sand  1540  “ 1500 

Cave  1040  “ 1000 

Rig  Lime 1000  “ 1740 

Keener  Sand  1740  1750 

Rig  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1752')  1750  1788 

(Five-barrel  well.) 


F.  F.  Boden  d’  Co.’s  Well,  No.  J,  Flannagan  Farm. 

Goose  Neck  Postoffice,  three  miles  northeast  of  Ilarrisville. 
Authority,  P.  E.  Boden. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (two  feet)  at  

800 

Coal  (three  feet)  at 

1210 

Salt  Sand  

1400 

to  1520 

410 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


Big  Lime 1628 

Big  Injun  Sand,  good,  white 1690  1795 

Gas  at  1715';  oil  and  more  gas  at  1793'. 

White  sand  2360  2460 

Shells  and  slate  to  bottom 2460  2821 

N.  F.  Cannon  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Harrisville.  Authority,  Ira  DeWitt. 

Thickness  Depth 
Feet.  Feet. 

Clay  15  15 

Limestone  10  25 

Slate  10  35 

Limestone  20  55 

White  slate 120  175 

Limestone  25  200 

Slate,  white  limestone  and  shells 75  275 

Slate,  red  25  300 

Slate,  white 75  375 

Sand,  white  30  405 

Slate,  white  85  490 

Slate,  red  20  510 

Sand,  white  10  520 

Slate,  red  (no  eaves)  130  650 

Slate,  red 40  690 

Limestone,  white 20  710 

Slate,  red  165  875 

Limestone,  gray  (eased  8i/4"at  890') 15  890 

Slate,  black 65  955 

Limestone,  gray 35  990 

Sand,  white  95  1085 

Slate,  white  55  1140 

Sand,  white 80  1220 

Slate,  black 30  1250 

Sand,  white  60  1310 

Slate,  black 110  1420 

Sand^  white 40  1460 

Slate  and  hard  sand,  mixed 130  1590 

Limestone,  hard,  gray  (eased  6%"  at 

1660')  60  1650 

Limestone,  hard,  white  (‘‘Big  Lime’’)...  47  1697 

Keener  Sand  20  1717 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (Big  gas  at  1724';  slate 

break  5 feet  at  1745';  oil  at  1750') ...  95  1812 

The  Washington  coal  crops  at  75  feet  above  the  derrick  floor. 

Jacob  Moats  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  south  of  Harrisville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


411 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Rnn  Sand 

1050 

to 

1150 

Salt  Sand  

1175 

< i 

1425 

Big  Lime 

1690 

1 i 

1790 

Rig  Injim  Sand  

1790 

(C 

1880 

Bottom  

1903 

The  Whiskey  Run  Oil  Pool  lies  about  nine  miles  northeast 
from  Cairo  and  three  and  one-half  miles  from  Ellenboro,  near 
the  headwaters  of  Bond  creek  in  northern  Ritchie  county.  The 
first  well  was  drilled  there  early  in  the  ’90 ’s  by  Ira  DeWitt  and 
the  South  Penn  Oil  Company  on  the  Hamilton  farm.  The  well 
X) reduced  a little  oil  from  the  top  of  the  “Big  InjmP^  or 
“Keener”  Sand  horizon  at  1,749  feet,  and  such  a large  quantity 
of  gas  just  below  that  the  well  was  utilized  by  the  Mountain  State 
Gas  Company  in  its  lines  for  several  years.  Finally  the  Asso- 
ciated Producers  Company  drilled  in  a well  on  the  Baumgardner 
farm  early  in  1898,  which  started  off  at  20  barrels  an  hour,  and 
the  pool  was  thereafter  rapidly  developed.  The  record  of  the  old 
Hamilton  well.  No.  1,  as  given  by  the  South  Penn  Oil  Company, 
is  as  follows : 


Hamilton  Well,  No.  1. 


riiiskey  run,  Ritchie  county,  W.  Va. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  

. 14 

to 

14 

Red  rock  

. 26 

( ( 

40 

Limestone  

5 

it 

45 

Slate,  blue  

. 10 

{{ 

55 

Sand,  white  

. 115 

{ { 

170 

Slate,  blue  

. 10 

it 

180 

Red  rock ^ 

. 5 

it 

185 

Slate,  blue 

. 15 

i i 

200 

Slate,  brown 

. 5 

i t 

205 

Limestone  shells  

. 3 

1 1 

208 

Red  rock  

. 10 

i i 

218 

Blue  limestone  

. 15 

it 

233 

Sand,  Avhite  

. 30 

it 

263 

Red  rock  

. 25 

it 

288 

Slate,  blue  

. 20 

i i 

308 

Red  rock  

. 50 

{ i 

358 

Slate,  blue 

. 40 

i i 

398 

Limestone  

. 5 

i i 

403 

Slate,  blue 

. 30 

i i 

.433 

Red  rock  

. 40 

it 

473 

Slate,  blue  

. 17 

it 

490 

412 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (RITCHIE) 


Sand,  white  15  505 

Slate,  white  13  518 

Slate,  blue  20  538 

Pink  rock  5 543 

Slate,  dark  5 548 

Slate,  light  bine 52  GOO 

Red  rock 10  610 

Slate,  brown 10  620 

Slate,  black 15  ‘‘  635 

Red  rock 40  ‘‘  675 

Sand,  white  10  “ 685 

Red  rock 75  760 

Slate,  white  5 765 

Red  rock 20  785 

Slate,  blue 30  815 

Coal,  hard 5 820 

Slate,  dark  15  835 

Red  rock  30  865 

Slate,  brown ; 75  940 

Coal,  hard 5 945 

Slate,  bine  40  985 

Slate,  black  (cased  6l^"  at  1020') 35  1020 

“Cow  Run”  Sand 20  “ 1040 

Sand,  white  5 “ 1045 

Slate,  black  90  1135 

Sand  and  limestone  10  “ 1145 

Slate,  blue  10  1155 

Slate,  black 15  1170 

Slate,  bine  90  1260 

Sand  and  slate 36  “ 1296 

Slate,  black  30  “ 1326 

Slate,  white  10  “ 1336 

Slate,  black  79  “ 1415 

Sand,  gray  5 1420 

Slate,  dark  25  “ 1445 

Sand,  white  5 “ 1450 

Slate,  black 65  1515 

Sand,  gray  75  “ 1590 

Slate,  dark  70  “ -1660 

“Big  Lime”  (Mountain)  88  “ 1748 

“Big  Injun”  Sand,  white  (oil  and  some 

gas  at  1749') 1 “ 1749 

Sand  and  limestone  (gas  at  1750') 13  “ 1762 

Slate,  black 4 1766 

Sand,  gray  16  “ 1782 

The  “Cow  Bun”  Sand  of  this  well  is  certainly  helow  the 
horizon  of  the  “First  Cow  Bu7i”  though  not  deep  enough  for 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


413 


the  “ SccontV’  one,  but  it  is  probably  identical  with  the  Dunkard 
or  Upper  Malioiiing  sandstone. 

Tlie  n'cord  of  the  Baumgardner  well,  No.  1,  of  the  Asso- 
ciated Producers  Company  was  kept  with  much  care  by  Prof. 
John  P.  Card,  the  geologist  for  that  corporation,  and  he  gave  the 
same  to  the  Survey,  as  follows: 

Baumgardner'  Well,  No.  1.  Whiskey  Run  Pool. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  7 to  7 

Unrecorded 8 15 

Coal,  Washington,  show 

Unrecorded  33  48 

Shale,  sandy 7 55 

Sandstone,  white  (big  water  flow  at  60') . . 70  “ 125 

Slate  25  ‘‘  150 

Sandstone  and  sandy  shale 55  205 

Shale,  red  25  ‘‘  230 

Coal  (Uniontown?)  2 232 

Slate,  dark  red  (10"  casing  at  245') 83  “ 315 

Sand  and  slate,  limy 55  “ 370 

Sandstone,  hard,  and  red  slate 25  395 

Shale,  red  45  440 

Slate,  sandy,  gray  and  red 20  “ 460 

Sandy  slate  and  flaggy  sandstone 38  498 

Coal,  Pittsburg  7 505 

Slate  120  “ 625 

Slate,  sandy,  black  and  red '.  30  “ 655 

Slate  85  740 

Shale,  dark  ‘‘caving”  40  “ 780 

Slate  205  “ 985 

Red  shale  50  “ 1035 

Slate  and  shale,  variegated 35  “ 1070 

Slate,  black  (cased  814",  IHO') 60  “ 1130 

Slate,  white  and  gray 145  “ 1275 

Slate,  dai'k  and  limy 80  “ 1355 

Coal,  Kittanning  horizon 2 “ 1357 

Slate  33  “ 1390 

Sand,  gray,  and  shells 35  “ 1425 

Slate,  black  25  “ 1450 


414 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (RITCHIE) 


1470 

1500 


Sand  and  shale,  dark 20 

Dark  slate  and  sand 30 

sand,  white 50  v 

slate,  dark 80 

sand,  white  25  j 

Pottsville  sand,  light  gray ....  12  | 

No.  XII  sand,  hard 6 

Salt  Sand’’  sand,  medium  hard, 

flaky  26 

sand,  white,  friable. 21 

sand,  white,  flaky ...  37 

Siliceous  limestone  (Mountain  Limestone) 
Sand,  tine  (top  “Big  Injun”  “Keener”) 


257 


Sand,  ‘ ‘ pay,  ’ ’ sugary 10 

Sand,  fine,  to  bottom  of  well 22 


1757 


1777 

1795 

1805 

1827 


The  coal  reported  at  498  feet  comes  in  at  the  Pittsburg 
horizon,  and  is  doubtless  a representative  of  that  stratum,  but 
probably  not  so  thick  as  represented,  since  only  a few  of  the 


other  wells  have  observed  it  so  far  as  known.  The  bottom  of  this 


coal  would  come  at  490  feet  below  the  Washington  bed,  which 
crops  out  along  the  roadside  just  below  the  derrick,  and  1,290 
feet  above  the  top  of  the  ^‘Big  Injun/ ^ which  agrees  well  with 
what  we  should  expect  here. 

The  ‘‘Salt  Sand”  and  “Big  Injun’’  appear  in  the  drillings 
to  be  almost  continuous,  but  when  examined  with  acid  the  lime- 
stone horizon  separating  them  comes  out  very  distinctly. 

The  Namon  Barnes,  No.  3,  a famous  producer,  is  in  the  val- 
ley, just  below  the  Baumgardner  well,  and  obtained  its  oil  in 
two  “pays,”  the  first  at  1,772  feet,  producing  a light  green  oil, 
and  that  at  1,780  feet  a very  light  amber,  as  is  much  of  the 
Whiskey  run  pool  oil.  Most  operators  consider  that  the  pro- 
duction of  the  pool  is  from  the  “Keener”  horizon  of  the  “Big 
Injun”  sand. 

A few  hundred  feet  distant  from  the  Bamgardner  well  the 
Associated  Producers  Oil  Company  drilled  another  on  the  land 
of  Mr.  Brooks,  and  the  record  of  this  well,  which  was  preserved 
by  Mr.  Carll,  is  so  peculiar  that  it  is  given  here,  as  follows: 

Record  of  Brooks  Well,  No.  1,  Whiskey  Run  Pool.  , 

Feet.  Feet. 

530  to  530 

5 “ 535 


Unrecorded  . . . 

Pittsburg  Coal 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


415 


Unrecorded  

..  505 

( i 

1040 

Limy  shale  and  sand 

..  10 

( ( 

1050 

Unrecorded  

..  50 

( < 

1100 

Sand,  grayish  white 

. . 10 

i ( 

111(‘ 

Unrecorded  

, . 90 

i i 

1200  ' 

Sand  

, . 20 

H 

1220 

Unrecorded  

, . 30 

( ( 

1250 

Sand  

( ( 

1290 

Coal,  thin  

ii 

Sand  

, . 10 

li 

isoo 

Unrecorded  

, . 150 

( ( 

1450 

Coal  

..  5 

(( 

1455 

Unrecorded  

, . 145 

< i 

1600 

Slate  

. . 10 

i ( 

1610 

Sand,  white  

, . 70 

< ( 

1680 

Coal  (?)  or  Asphalt  (saturated  with  oil) . 

,.  8 

( ( 

1688 

“Big  Lime”  (Mountain)  

..  67 

({ 

1755 

[ sand,  fine,  soft 

(oil 

1 

Big  1 1761')  

....10 

I 

“Injun”  -j  sand,  white 

....  5 

l-  73 

(( 

1828 

Sand  1 sand  and  slate 

....  4 

I 

t sand  to  bottom. . . . 

....54 

J 

The  coaly  material  at  1,680  feet,  resting  immediately  upon 
the  Mountain  Limestone,  was  saturated  with  petroleum,  and 
described  by  the  drillers  as  quite  difficult  to  penetrate,  “drilling 
like  rubber,”  as  one  expressed  it.  Its  location  immediately  on 
top  of  the  limestone  is  so  unusual  that  I suspect  it  might  be  a 
substance  similar  to  grahamite,  and  a i)roximate  analysis  made  by 
Prof.  B.  11.  Hite,  the  chemist  of  the  Survey,  gave  the  following 
results,  compared  with  the  composition  of  grahamite : 

Analysis  of  Bituminous  Matter  From  Brooks  Well,  No.  1. 


Moisture 

Petroleum  

Volatile  matter 

Fixed  carbon  

Ash  

Brooks  No.  1. 

00.21 

1.40 

34.21 

48.82 

15.36 

Grahamite. 

00.26 

58.37 

39.24 

2.13 

100.00 

100.00 

Sulphur  

1.13 

1.25 

This  analysis  shows  that  the  bituminous  matter  is  not  typical 
grahamite,  though  its  anomalous  stratigraphical  position,  limited 


416 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (EITCHIE) 


distribution  (for  other  wells  drilled  all  around  Brooks,  No.  1, 
failed  to  find  the  deposit),  and  saturation  with  petroleum,  are 
all  fairly  conclusive  evidence  that  the  bituminous  material  is  not 
coal,  whatever  else  it  may  prove  to  be  upon  further  examination. 

The  only  other  locality  in  the  State  where  coaly  material 
has  been  reported  at  this  horizon  is  on  Leading  creek,  in  Calhoun 
county,  where,  in  a well  drilled  by  the  Sill  Oil  Company  upon 
the  Metz  farm,  Mr.  W.  K.  Jacobs  reports  that  five  feet  of  material 
which  resembled  coal  in  appearance  was  encountered  at  1,631 
feet,  onl}^  two  feet  above  the  Moimtain  Limestone,  and  108  feet 
above  the  ‘‘Big  Injun”  oil  sand.  Hence  it  is  quite  probable  that 
along  this  same  line  where  the  great  fissure  on  Macfarlan  was 
made  and  filled  with  the  products  of  petroleum,  to  be  converted 
into  the  mineral,  grahamite,  by  subsecpient  chemical  changes, 
other  minor  fissures  would  originate,  thus  giving  rise  to  such 
deposits  as  those  struck  in  the  Brooks  and  Metz  borings. 


Ahicht  Well,  No.  1. 


Whiskey  run.  Authority,  Prof.  John  F.  Carll. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Top  of  Sand,  gas 

70 

to 

1420 

Slate  and  red  rock 

302 

i 1 

1722 

Big  Lime 

65 

< i 

1787 

Keener  Sand  

25 

i ( 

1812 

Slate  

10 

( ( 

1822 

Big  Injun  Sand 

7 

1 ( 

1829 

James  Starr  Well,  No.  1. 

About  three  miles  south  of  Harrisville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 


Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

First  Coal  (Waynesburg ‘^A”0 180  to  182 

Second  Coal  (Waynesburg?) 230  “ 233 

Cow  Rim  Sand  1000 

Salt  Sand  1050 

Maxton  Sand  (show  of  oil  and  gas  at 

1580')  1539 

Big  Lime 1725^ 

Big  Injim  Sand 1825 

Total  depth 1941 

(Dry.)  , , 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


417 


a.  W.  Ifayhurst  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  rulliiian,  six  miles  east  of  TTarrisville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 
Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  . 

502 

to 

505 

Cow  Run  Sand 

940 

C ( 

970 

Salt  Sand  

1240 

( ( 

1280 

Maxton  Sand  . . 

1630 

( i 

1696 

Big  Lime 

1786 

( ( 

1836 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1836 

( ( 

1851 

Berea  Sand  . . . 

2100 

( ( 

2200 

Gordon  Sand  . . 
Total  depth  .... 

2560 

2675 

W. 

/.  Lowther  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Pullman  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

500 

to 

506 

Cave  

675 

i ( 

960 

Cow  Run  Sand 

960 

a 

978 

Salt  Sand  

1080 

i ( 

1175 

Second  Salt  Sand 

1280 

( ( 

1370 

Third  Salt  Sand  

1470 

( ( 

1590 

Maxton  Sand 

1620 

( ( 

1659 

Big  Lime 

1705 

{ ( 

1805 

Big  Injun  Sand  (poor)  

1805 

( ( 

1810 

Berea  Sand 

2070 

i ( 

2085 

Total  depth  (dry)  

2128 

C.  J).  AUender 

Well,  No.  1. 

mile  northwest  of  Cxford.  Authority,  Carter 

Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

Cave  

920 

to 

1190 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1190 

( c 

1210 

Salt  Sand  

; 1444 

i ( 

1479 

Salt  Sand  

1524 

( ( 

1664 

Maxton  Sand  

1958 

( ( 

1978 

Pencil  cave 

1235 

( ( 

1250 

Big  Lime 

2075 

( ( 

2150 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  2156';  oi 

il,  21 60')... 2150 

i ( 

2182 

Total  dey)th 

2184 

(Pair  gas  well.) 

Two  to  three  miles  southwest  from  Oxford  and  in  the  vicin- 


ity of  Whiteoak,  some  fairly  good  oil  wells  have  been  found  in 
the  Big  Injun  Sand.  There  ai*e  several  small  {)ools  in  the  same 
geiioral  region  known  as  tHo  “Prunty,”  ^‘Flaimagan,”  “Ire- 


418 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


land,”  “Holbrook,”  etc.  The  Pittsburg  coal  appears  to  have  a 
good  thickness  in  the  region. 

M.  E.  Pritchard  Well,  No.  1. 

About  one  mile  ncudheast  of  Prunty  field,  and  one  mile  north 
of  A¥hiteoak  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

480 

to 

485 

Cow  Rim  Sand 

930 

< ( 

980 

Salt  Sand  

1210 

( ( 

1397 

IMaxton  Sand  

1625 

( ( 

1683 

Big  Lime 

1740 

i ( 

1835 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1825 

i ( 

1860 

Berea*?  

Total  depth 

2044 

2700 

John  Pritchard  Well,  No.  1. 

Whiteoak  Postoffice,  one  mile  west  of  Prunty  field.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

385 

to 

391 

Cave  

600 

( ( 

800 

Cow  Run  Sand 

896 

{ i 

920 

Salt  Sand  

1295 

(( 

1429 

Maxton  Sand 

1710 

( ( 

1740 

Big  Lime 

1845 

i ( 

1935 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1935 

( ( 

1950 

Berea  1 

2162 

( ( 

2167 

Total  depth 

2207 

Alexayider  Prunty  Well,  No.  1. 


Two  miles  southwest  of  Oxford.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  (Pittsburg?)  

150 

to 

155 

Coal 

445 

i i 

550 

Cow  Run  Sand 

740 

L ( 

760 

Salt  Sand  

1160 

( ( 

1204 

Maxton  Sand  

1510 

1 ( 

1525 

Big  Lime 

1570 

( i 

1585 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1611 

( ( 

1629 

Total  depth 

1646 

i\  cold  is  reported  live  to  six  feet  thick  at  depths  of  460  to 

715  feet  in  all  the  rest  of  the  wells  on  this  farm 

up 

to  No.  15, 

beyond  which  the  Survey  has  no 

records. 

Prunty  Heirs’ 

Well,  No.  1. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

635 

to 

641 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


410 


Cow  Run  Sand 

i ( 

964 

Salt  Sand  

.....1406 

( ( 

1446 

Maxton  Sand  

1802 

( ( 

1827 

Big  Lime  

1900 

( ( 

1962 

Rig  Injun  Sand 

1962 

( c 

1981 

‘‘BrealC'  

Total  depth 

1981 

2039 

Well  No.  2— Pittsburg  coal,  572  to  578  feet.  Well  No.  3— 
Pittsburg  coal,  605  to  611  feet.  Well  No.  4 — Pittsburg  coal,  510 
to  515  feet.  * 


Lee  Prmdy 

Well,  No.  1. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

750 

to 

755 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1200 

i ( 

1230 

Salt  Sand 

1425 

i ( 

1475 

Big  Lime 

2030 

( ( 

2080 

Big  Injun  Sand 

2082 

( ( 

2110 

Total  depth 

2131 

M^ell  No.  2— Pittsburg  coal,  710  to  715  feet.  Well  No.  3— 
Pittsburg  coal,  650  to  653  feet.  Well  No.  4 — Pittsburg  coal,  590 
to  596  feet.  Well  No.  5 — Pittsburg  coal,  685  to  688  feet. 


Martin  Ueirs’  Well,  No.  1. 
Prunty  field.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal 605 

Cow  Run  Sand 1090 

Salt  Sand  1250 

Maxton  Sand  17(S5 

Big  Lime 1885 

Big  Injun  Sand 1955 

Total  def)th  


Marlin  Heirs’  Well,  No.  2. 


Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal 660 

Cow  Run  Sand 1120 

Salt  Sand  1260 

Maxton  Sand  1745 

Big  Lime 1850 

Big  Injun  Sand  1978 

Total  depth  


G.  P.  Zinn  Well,  No.  1. 
Prunty  field.  Autliority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Pittsbnrg  Coal 438 


Feet, 
to  610 
1105 
1700 
1803 
''  1985 

''  1985 

2020 


Feet, 
to  663 
''  1145 

1280 
''  1770 

''  1890 

2010 
2036 


Feet, 
to  444 


420 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


Cow  Run  Sand 

500 

a 

730 

Salt  Sar!d  

1040 

C ( 

1070 

Maxton  Sand  

1622 

(( 

1634 

Big  Lime 

1675 

(( 

1793 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1793 

i i 

1825 

M.  G.  Zinn  Well,  No.  1. 

ty  field.  Authority,  Carter 

Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

460 

to 

466 

First  Cow  Run  Sand 

760 

•(( 

780 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 

920 

945 

Salt  Sand  

1185 

( ( 

1244 

Maxton  Sand 

1630 

i i 

1660 

Big  Lime 

1720 

(( 

1789 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1789 

( ( 

1834 

Total  depth  

1855 

Well  No.  2,  Pittsburg  Coal  . 

515 

(( 

520 

Well  No.  3,  Pittsburg  Coal  . 

665 

( i 

670 

Well  No.  4,  Pittsburg  Coal  . 

750 

{ ( 

756 

Well  No.  5,  Pittsburg  Coal  . 

712 

(( 

718 

Well  No.  6,  Pittsburg  Coal  . 

( c 

502 

These  records  show  that  the  Pittsbiirs:  coal  gets  (luite  thin 
(two  to  three  feet)  occasionally  in  this  region,  and  hence  these 
oil  well  records  should  be  confirmed  by  the  diamond  drill  before 
any  serious  investments  for  coal  are  ma'de. 

G.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No.  1. 

Flannagan  field,  three-fourths  of  a mile  southwest  of  Whiteoak. 
Authority,  Hartman  Oil  Company. 

Pittsburg  Coal  437 

Maxtor!  Sand  

Slate  

Big  Lime  1695 

Sand  (Keener)  (oil) 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1778';  oil,  178^ 

G.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No.  2. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

Cow  Run  Sand 1075 

Salt  Sand  1390 

Maxtor!  Sand  1718 

Sand  (Stray)  1830 

Big  Lime 1864 


Feet. 

Feet. 

. . 437 

.1565 

to 

1615 

, .1585 

(( 

1589 

. .1695 
. .1763 

,.1773 

i ( 

1799^ 

.2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

. 584 

to 

589 

.1075 

( c 

1090 

.1390 

ti 

1430 

.1718 

( i 

1781 

.1830 

(( 

1842 

.1864 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


421 


Bio’  Injun  Sand,  white  

1960 

Sand  and  lime 

1970 

C ( 

2005 

G.  M.  Ireland 

Well.  No.  3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pitts])nrg  Coal 

700 

First  Cow  Run  Sand 

1020 

to 

1050 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand  

1200 

< ( 

1240 

Gas  Sand  

1480 

( ( 

1553 

Salt  Sand  

1615 

i i 

1650 

Salt  Sand  

1700 

n 

1745 

Maxton  Sand 

1855 

( ( 

1895 

Big  Lime 

1960 

( i 

2039 

Black  Sand  (Keener)  

2039 

i i 

2052 

Big  Injnn  Sand 

2052 

(( 

2060 

Limy  Sand  

2060 

i ( 

2090 

Lime  

2090 

1 1 

2102 

Sand  

2102 

(C 

2114 

Slate  to  bottom 

2114 

( ( 

2120 

G.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No.  4. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pitftsburg  Coal 

581 

Maxton  Sand 

1732 

to 

1780 

Little  Lime 

1820 

i c 

1845 

Big  Lime 

1855 

Keener  Sand  

1925 

( ( 

1937 

Bottom  

1960 

G.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No.  5 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

409 

Maxton  Sand 

1588 

to 

1605 

Big  Lime  (show  oil,  1698') . . . 

1691 

< ( 

1760 

Keener  Sand  (oil,  1771  to  1775') 1760 

( < 

1788 

‘‘StrealC’  

1815 

i i 

1825 

Bottom  

1827 

G.  M.  Ireland 

Well,  No.  6 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 400 

Keener  Sand 

.1840 

G.  M.  Ireland 

Well,  No.  8. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

620 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1980 

to 

2000 

Bottom  (dry)  

2088 

4‘22 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (lllTCHIE) 


a.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No.  10. 

Feet. 


Pittsburg  Coal  ' 510 

Big  Injun  Sand 1843 

Bottom 1883% 


G.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No.  11. 


Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

. 387 

Big  Lime  

.1677 

Keener  Sand  

.1727 

Bottom 

.1770 

G.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No. 

13. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

. . 410 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1747 

to 

1794 

Bottom  

1806 

G.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No. 

14. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

..  486 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1826 

to 

1872 

Bottom  

1892 

G.  M.  Ireland  Well,  No.  16. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  

..  409 

Coal  (Bakerstown?)  

. 730 

to 

740 

Salt  Sand  

. .1435 

Pencil  cave  

..1532 

Big  Lime  (black  oil  show,  1690') 

..1684 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas  and  oil,  1764') .... 

..1749 

Total  depth 

..1783 

(Forty-barrel  well.) 


Zimri  Flannagan  Well,  No.  1. 

Southwest  extension  of  Prunty  held,  one  mile  northeast  of  Berea. 
Authority,  Cai*ter  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  ' 

406 

to 

414 

Cave  

700 

( ( 

780 

Cow  Run  Sand 

838 

( ( 

868 

Salt  Sand  

1010 

( ( 

1360 

Maxton  Sand  

1590 

( ( 

1650 

Big  Lime 

1711 

( ( 

1787 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1786 

tt 

1813 

Total  depth 

1860 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOJ.OGlCAli  SURVEY 


423 


Zinin  Flannagan  Well,  No.  12. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg'  Coal 520  to  530 

Cow  Run  Sand 1021  1081 

Salt  Sand  1314  1429 

Maxtor!  Sand  1655  “ 1730 

Big  Lime 1790  1875 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1891') 1875  1903 

Total  depth 1935 

(Thirty  to  fifty-barrel  well.) 

Ferry -Davis  Well,  No.  1. 

Adjoining  Zimid  Flannagan  farm.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 396  to  402 

Cave  620  ''  900 

Cow  Run  Sand 900  940 

Salt  Sand... 1200  1285 

Maxton  Sand  1580  1620 

Big  Lime 1640  1744 

Big  Injun  Sand 1744  “ 1775 

Perry-Davis  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  445  to  456 

Cave  850  960 

Cow  Run  Sand  (hard)  960  1000 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1280') 1230  1340 

Big  Lime  (hard) 1755  1806 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1814') 1806  ‘‘  1835 

(Seventy-five  to  lOO-barrel  well.) 

Perry-Davis  Well,  No.  6. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 406  to  418 

Cave  600  “ 900 

Cow  Run  vSand 900  “ 913 

Salt  Sand  1210  1290 

Maxton  Sand  1555  1600 

Big  Lime 1680  1752 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1755';  oil,  1759') . . .1752  “ 1778 

(Ten-barrel  well.) 

'rhe  exceptional  thickness  of  Pittsburg  coal  reported  from 
these  wells  should  he  tested  with  diamond  drill  for  confirmation. 
The  oil  well  drill  is  not  a reliable  test  for  either  the  (piality  or 
thickness  of  coal. 


424 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


Festus  Kelley  Well}  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  sniitli  of  Wliiteoak  Postoffice.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsbiii’g  Coal 3G4  to  373 

Cave  560  620 

Cow  Run  Sand 790  825 

First  Salt  Sand 1169  ''  1230 

Second  Salt  Sand  (water,  1315') 1300  1335 

Maxton  Sand  1500  1555 

Pencil  cave  1640  1650 

Bi-  Lime  (oil  show,  1679') 1664  ‘‘  1738 

Big  Injun  Sand  (light  gas,  1741') 1738  1756 

(Practically  dry  hole.) 

Maxivell  Heirs’  Well,  No.  1. 

Ihvo  miles  from  Berea,  near  Slab  creek.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  1005  to  1075 

Gas  Sand  1310  1390 

First  Salt  Sand 1520  1610 

Second  Salt  Sand  1805  1845 

Slate  1845  1850 

Maxton  Sand  (gas,  1870') 1850  1935 

More  gas 1965 

Big  Lime 1995  2062 

Big  Injun  Sand  2062 

J.  R.  Knight  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  mil  as  northeast  of  Berea  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 545  to  550 

Cave  800  975 

Cow  Run  Sand 1045  1096 

Salt  Sand  1270  1450 

Maxton  Sand  1694  1762 

Big  Lime 1850  1926 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1935') 1926  1954 

Total  (le})th  . 1960 

(Five  to  teu-harrel  well.) 

n.  C.  Griffin  Well,  No.  1. 

Neer  Holbrook.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet  Feet 

Coal  (Elk  Lick?)  526  to  532 

Salt  Sand  810  and  944 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  425 

Cave  ....1100 

Miixotn  Sand  1590  to  1018 

Big  Lime 1018  1085 

Big  Tnjmi  Sand  (gas,  1090') 1085  1710 

Total  depth  1759 

C.  1C.  Nutter  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Holbrook.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

No  Pittsburg  Coal. 

Cave  575  to  825 

Cow  Rim  Sand 850  870 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 945  ‘‘  975 

Salt  Sand  1170  1200 

Maxton  Sand  1007  1037 

Big  Lime  1000  1750 

Big  Injun  Sand 1755  1799 

Berea?  Sand  1959  1971 

Total  depth 2001 

M.  B.  Zinn  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  west  of  Holbrook,  two  miles  south  of  Prunty  field. 
Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 375  to  381 

vow  Rim  Sand 804  830 

First  Salt  Sand 1201  1305 

Second  Salt  Sand  1350  1404 

Maxton  Sand  1550  1500 

Big  Lime 1071  1740 

Big  Injim  Sand 1740  1770 

Berea?  Sand 1942  ''  1957 

Total  depth 2001 

James  T.  Som  merville  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Aulnirn,  southeastern  corner  of  Ritchie  county.  Authoidty, 
Thomas  IL  Davis  & Son. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  (gas)  925  to  950 

First  Salt  Sand 1190  1230 

Second  Salt  Sand  1240  1310 

Red  rock 1405  ''  1545 

Little  Lime  1000  ''  1700 

Big  Lime  (show  of  oil)  1723  “ 1745 

Big  Injun  Sand 1745  ‘‘  1791 

Slate,  shells  and  sandstone 1791  “ 1940 

“Tools  were  stuck  in  a hard  substance  presumed  to  be  cap  of 
Berea  Grit  or  Gantz  Sand  at  1,940  feet.  No  coal  found  in  any 


426 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (lilTCHIE) 


formation  except  some  drift  at  surface  about  four  feet  thick 
presumed  to  be  the  Washin^^ton  coal  vein.” 

Amos  Ferrine  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  

16 

Sand  

16 

to 

38 

Red  rock 

38 

( i 

123 

Sand  

123 

i ( 

145 

Red  roek 

( ( 

205 

Sand  

205 

(( 

225 

Red  roek  and  shells 

225 

t ( 

275 

Sand  

275 

{ ( 

303 

Red  roek  

303 

( ( 

378 

Slate  

378 

( ( 

406 

Red  roek 

406 

( ( 

504 

Sand  

504 

( ( 

518 

Red  roek  and  shells 

518 

( ( 

570 

Coal?  

570 

t < 

574 

Red  roek 

574 

(C 

649 

Blaek  slate  

649 

( ( 

669 

Red  roek  

669 

C( 

679 

Sand  

679 

( t 

689 

Red  roek 

689 

( ( 

724 

Sand  

724 

ll 

764 

Red  roek  

764 

It 

794 

Sand  

794 

n 

804 

White  slate 

804 

{( 

884 

Sand  

884 

1 1 

97() 

Slate  and  shells 

976 

( c 

1040 

Blaek  slate  

1040 

u 

1120 

Sliale  

1120 

ll 

1140 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1140 

(1 

1214 

Blaek  slate  

1214 

1 1 

1244 

Sand  

1244 

ll 

1269 

Blaek  slate  

1269 

1 1 

1339 

Shell  

1339 

1 1 

1344 

Slate  

1344 

ll 

1414 

Sand  and  lime  

1414 

ll 

1439 

Salt  Sand  

1439 

i 1 

1504 

Blaek  slate  

1504 

ll 

1519 

Sand  

1519 

ll 

1529 

Red  rock 

1529 

ll 

1555 

Slate  

1555 

ll 

1565 

Bic:  Lime 

1565 

ll 

1661 

Bijy  Injnn  Sand 

1661 

1 1 

1736 

Slate  and  shells 

1736 

ll 

1981 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY  427 

Berea  Grit*?  1981  2041 

Unrecorded  2041  ''  227G 

Sandy  lime 2270  2291 

Slate  and  sliells 2291  ''  2541 

Shale  2541  ''  2601 

Red  rock  2601  ''  2629 

Slate  and  shells 2629  ''  2783 

Depth  2783 

David  G.  Law  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  district,  near  Lawford  Postoffice,  between  Burnt  House 
and  Newberne.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  None 

Cave  550  to  682 

Cow  Run  Sand 745  ''  780 

Salt  Sand  (oil,  water  and  gas  at  1140') . . 902  1187 

Maxton  Sand  1540  ''  1582 

Big  Lime  1669  ''  1702 

Big  Injun  Sand 1730  1819 

Total  depth 2203 

A.  A.  Clayton  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  southwest  of  Lawford  Postoffice.  Authority,  Cailer  Oil 
Comp  ny. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cave  6S0  to  930 

Cow  Run  Sand 880  “ 910 

Salt  Sand  1250  1525 

Maxton  Sand  (gas,  1750') 1700  1765 

Big  Lime : 1780  1850 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1870') 1850  1930 

Berea  (gas,  2244') 2236  2251 

Total  depth  2271 

(Small  gas  well.) 

John  Well,  No.  1. 

Four  miles  northwest  of  Lawford  Postoffice.  Authority,  Carter 
Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal  (absent). 

Cave  600  to  875 

Cow  Run  Sand 875  890 

Salt  Sand  1455  1550 

Maxton  Sand  (gas,  1590') 1560  1605 

Big  Lime 1075  1750 

Big  Injun  Sand  1750  1840 

Berea  (all  lime)  2125  2140 


428 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


Total  depth 2232 

(Fair  gas  well  in  Maxton  Sand.) 

L.  C.  Goff  Well,  No.  1. 

Three  miles  west  of  Lawford  Postoffice,  Murphy  district,  and 
three  miles  north  of  Burnt  House.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Cave  620  to  970 

Cow  Run  Sand 1000  1010 

First  Salt  Sand  (water,  1275') 1250  1300 

Second  Salt  Sand 1350  1400 

Maxton  Sand  (oil  and  gas,  1730') 1700  1740 

Big  Lime 1830  1926 

Big  Injun  Sand  (show  oil,  1925') 1926  1986 


(One-barrel  well,  in  Maxton  Sand.) 

F.  P.  Goff  Well,  No.  1. 

Spruce  creek,  four  miles  west  of  Lawford  Postoffice.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Coal?  115  to  117 

Cave  500  700 

Cow  Run  Sand  700  730 

Gas  Sand  860  945 

First  Salt  Sand  1000  1190 

Second  Salt  Sand  1243  1393 

Maxton  Sand  1525  1555 

Pencil  cave  1570  1575 

Big  Lime  (gas,  1620') 1575  1680 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1722') 1680  1740 

Berea  Sand 2008  2015 

Total  dei)th 2170 

(Dry  hole.) 


The  driller  has  identified  the  coal  at  top  of  this  section  with 
the  Pittsburg  bed,  but  it  belongs  about  200  feet  higher  than  that 
stratum. 


Ifarkness  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Cornwallis,  Grant  district.  Authority,  Prof.  John  P.  Carll. 

Thickness  Depth 
Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  37 

Unrecorded  73  110 

Bluff  Sand  60  170 

Unrecorded  430  600 

Little  Dunkard  Sand  15  615 

Unrecorded  75  690 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


420 


Second  Dunkard  Sand  35  725 

Unrecorded  355  lOSO 

First  Salt  Sand  40  1120 

Black  slate  35  1155 

Second  Salt  Sand  95  1250 

Unrecorded  50  1300 

0T8T  01  Puug  p.inH 

White  sand 55  1305 

Slate  5 1370 

Gas  Sand 20  1390 

Black  slate  3S  1428 

Oil  sand  (Maxton?)  Cairo  45  1473 


(Gas,  1433-36';  oil,  1450-70';  water,  1435'.) 
Ilarkness  Well,  No.  2. 

Near  Cornwallis.  Authority,  Prof.  John  F.  Carll. 


Thickness.  Depth, 
Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  13 

Unrecorded  262  275 

Blnfl  Sand 05  340 

Unrecorded  525  865 

Big*  Dunkard  Sand  35  900 

Second  Dunkard  Sand  345  1245 

First  Salt  Sand 45  1290 

Unrecorded  30  1320 

Second  Salt  Sand  100  1420 

Unrecorded  80  1500 

Gas  Sand 50  1550 

Slate  82  1632 

Cairo  (Maxton?)  Oil  Sand  (1st  pay,  1642'; 

2d  pay,  1647') 25  1657 

Gilbert  Well,  No.  1. 

Cornwallis.  Authority,  Fisher  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Cairo  Sand  (gas,  1491;  oil,  1497') 1473 

Bottom 1506 

Gilbert  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet. 

Cairo  Sand  (gas,  1517';  oil,  1538') 1507 

Bottom  1 541 

Gilbert  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet. 

Ten-inch  casing 85 

Eight  and  one-foiulh-inch  casing 700 

Six  and  hve-eighths-inch  casing 1150 

Cairo  Sand  1467 

Bottom  1510 


430 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


Near 


( 


I 


! 


William  Hall  Ileirs^  Well,  No.  1. 
Cairo.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

720 

1320 

to 

Feet. 

1360 

1443 

( ( 

1469 

790 

1443 

1457 

1469 

William  Hall  Heirs’ 

Well,  No.  2. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Dunkard  Sand  (Cow  Run)  

735 

1410- 

to 

1445 

Cairo  Sand  (Maxton)  

1520 

i ( 

1552 

Gas,  1527';  oil,  1543'. 

William  Hall  Heirs’ 

Well,  No.  3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Dunkard  Sand  (Cow  Run)  

785 

'‘Salt’’  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton?). 

1537 

to 

1595 

vjr^ioj  oLiUli^  

on  

1575 

1584 

1600 

Williani  Hall  Heirs’  Well,  No.  4. 


Feet, 
to  1030 
‘‘  1527 

‘ ^ 1640 

Stren^'  oas  at'l594  feet;  oil,  1630  feet,  with  increase  to  1634  feet. 

A.  Hall  Well,  No.  1. 

Cairo  and  Cornwallis  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Corn- 


Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  

Gas  Sand  

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxotn?) 1594 


pany. 


Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton?) 

Gas  

Oil  

Bottom  


Feet. 

.1629 

.1629 

.1631 

.1648 


A.  Y.  Pew  Well,  No.  2. 

One  mile  northwest  of  Cairo.  Authority,  Mr.  Michael  Hardy, 


Foreman,  Clark  Oil  Company. 

Top  Carroll  Sand  

Pay  at 

Bottom  Sand 


Feet. 
. 270 
. 275 
. 295 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


431 


The  Can-oil  Sand  liivs  about  200  feet  above  the  Pittsburg 
coal,  and  is  tlie  highest  oil  horizon  yet  known  in  the  State. 

The  following  r.eord  will  show  its  relation  to  the  Cairo  Oil 
Sand : 


J.  C.  Lee  Well,  No.  10. 

One  mile  northwt^st  Cairo.  Authority,  Mr.  Michael  Hardy, 
Foreman,  Clark  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Top  Carroll  Sand 320 

First  pay  325 

Bottom  Sand  345 

Gas  Sand  (top)  1510 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton.) 1575 

Oil  at  1609 

Bottom  of  hole  1623 


“Ten-barrel  well  in  Salt  Sand  in  1892,  and  making  two 
barrels  now  (May  17,  1904).” 

“The  well  produced  fifteen  barrels  daily  from  the  Carroll 
Sand  at  first,  but  was  abandoned  and  drilled  to  the  Cairo  Sand 
after  five  months.” 

The  record  of  Lee  well  No.  6,  on  the  summit  of  a hill,  one- 
half  mile  northwest  from  Cairo,  was  kept  for  the  Survey  with 
much  care  by  William  A.  Clark,  President  of  the  Clark  Oil  Com- 
pany, and  it  reads  as  follows: 

Lee  Well,  No.  6. 

Thickness,  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Unrecorded  35  35 

Coal  (Washington  or  Waynesbnrg  “A”)  2 37 

Unrecorded  213  250 

Carroll  Oil  Sand  40  290 

Red  beds  (10-incli  casing(  330  feet) (iO  350 

Lime  shells^’ 95  445 

Red  rock  35  SO 

Wliite  slate  and  “lime  shells” 160  (il* 

‘‘Big”  r(Hl  bed  100  74 (. 

Llack  shite  and  lime 115  855 

Unrecorded  20  875 

“Pink  cave”  (814-ioeh  casing) 10  885 

Unrecorded  to  bottom  of  a sand.  ........  25  910 

Black  slate  50  960 

Sand  Dunkard  (Cow  Run) 40  1000 

Slate,  black  30  1030 


432 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOBDS  (RITCHIE) 


Red  rock  15  1045 

Sandstone,  very  hard 10  1055 

Limestone  15  1070 

White  slate  and  ‘‘shells” 50  1120 

Sandstone  25  1145 

Black  slate  and  “lime  shells” 47  1192 

Sand  15  1207 

Slate,  black 33  1240 

Sand  35  1275 

Dark  Coaly  shales  (“cave”),  cased  6V4", 

1310'  45  1320 

“Casing  sand”  40  1360 

Shale,  black  15  1375 

Sand,  pebbly  (top  “Salt  Sand”) 113  1488 

Slate,  black 10  1498 

Shale,  gray  10  1508 

Slate  22  1530 

“Gas  Sand” 20  1550 

Slate  and  shells  20  1570 

Shale,  gray  20  1590 

Sand  10  1600 

Shale,  black  5 1605 

Sandy  beds,  limy 5 1610 

Sand,  white  15  1625 

Black  slate  and  lime 20  1635 


“Salt  Sand,”  Cairo  and  Maxton  Oil 
Sand;  broken  for  15  feet;  very  hard 
and  dark,  then  whiter  at  1660  feet, 
softer  at  1680  feet,  showing  oil  at 
1682^2  feet;  through  ‘pay’  at  1687 
feet;  sand  harder,  with  bluish  cast  at 
1690  feet,  and  making  three  barrels 
of  salt  water  per  hour;  soft  sand  to 


bottom;  total  thickness 55  1700 

“Big  Lime”  (Mountain  Limestone)  to 

bottom  of  well  35  1735 


The  top  of  the  ‘‘Big  Injun”  Sand  would  be  found  at  about 
1,790  feet  in  this  well,  since  the  Mountain  Limestone  is  80  to  90 
feet  thick  in  the  Cairo  region,  hence  the  base  of  the  Carroll  Sand 
comes  here  1,500  feet  above  the  “Big  Injun”  oil  sand,  and  as 
the  Berea  Grit  lies  495  feet  below  the  top  of  the  “Big  Injun” 
Sand,  as  shown  by  the  record  of  Hatlield  No.  2,  near  Cairo,  then 
this  Carroll  Sand  would  be  1,995  feet  above  the  Berea  Grit  hori- 
zon at  Cairo,  thus  showing  a thickening  of  200  feet  between  St. 
Marys  and  Cairo,  since  the  Tan  Lot  well  at  St.  Marys,  Ideasants 


WEST  VTUGTNIA  GEOLOOxTCAL  SURVEY 


433 


county,  15  miles  iiortli  ol‘  Cairo,  found  the  Berea  at  only  1,790 
feet  below  the  base  of  the  massive  sandstone  and  Maeksburg  coal 
whicli  eroi)  out  there,  and  the  St.  Marys  sand  rock  appears  to  be 
identical  with  the  Carroll  Sand  of  this  record. 

The  Cairo  oil  held  was  first  opened  in  October,  1890,  by 
Messrs.  Boden  and  Aiken  of  Pai’kersburg.  Their  first  well,  which 
is  now  owned  by  the  Cairo  Oil  Company,  is  situated  one-fourth 
of  a mile  south  from  the  railroad  station,  and  the  record  reads  as 
follows,  according  to  Boden  & Aiken,  the  original  owners: 

Boden  & Aiken  Well,  No.  1.  Thickness  Depth 
! Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  16  to  16 

Limestone  12  28 

Shale  12  40 

Sand  15  55 

Shale  30  85 

Shale,  light  45  130 

Sand,  sharp,  white  (Carroll  Oil  Sand) ....  43  173 

Shale  (7%"  casing,  175') 36  ‘‘  209 

' Coal  1 “ 210 

Sand,  dark  11  221 

Shale,  light 12  233 

Slate,  red  16  “ 249 

Shale,  light 12  261 

Slate,  red  10  271 

Sand,  dark  gray 7 278 

Slate  ...‘ 11  289 

Slate,  red  19  308 

Shale,  soft,  blue 20  328 

• , Shale,  red  9 337 

Limestone  10  347 

Shale,  light 52  399 

' Red  rock  10  409 

Shale,  light  7 “ 416 

Red  luck  2 418 

Shale,  light  5 423 

Red  j’oek  44  467 

Shale,  light  16  483 

Sand  25  ‘‘  508 

Red  rock  15  523 

Shale,  light 11  534 

Red  rock 9 ‘‘  .543 

Shale,  light  .... , 30  ‘‘  .573 

Red  rock 5 ‘ ‘ 578 

Sand  55  633 


434 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


Red  rock  26  659 

Shale,  light 19  678 

Red  rock  20  698 

Sand  (5%-inch  casing,  725') 78  776 

Shale,  light 12  788 

Shale,  dark 25  813 

Shale,  red,  sandy  13  “ 826 

Shale,  light 92  918 

Sand  5 923 

Shale,  black  10  933 

Shale,  light 135  1068 

Sand,  light  64  1132 

Shale,  light 26  1158 

Shale,  black  20  ‘‘  1178 

Sand,  gas  90  1268 

Shale,  gray  94  ‘‘  1362 

Sand  r. 10  1372 

Shale  70  1442 

Sand  (Cairo  Oil  Sand)  57  1499 

Shale  16  1515 

Mountain  ( limestone  50  ) 

T 1 1. 1 1 10  I r-zl  icon 


Sand  “Big  Injun”  (oil,  1678') 97  1686 

Unrecorded  to  bottom  374  “ 2060 


The  Cairo  Sand  (which  is  also  often  called  ‘‘Salt  Sand’’) 
comes  just  above  the  top  of  the  Mountain  Limestone  or  “Big 
Lime”  of  the  drillers,  and  hence  is  most  probably  identical  with 
the  Maxton  Sand  of  Tyler  county.  This  latter  oil  sand  was  for- 
merly su])i)osed  to  be  a member  of  the  Pottsville  or  Salt  Sand  for- 
mation, but  it  is  now  known  to  a certainty  that  it  belongs  in 
the  Manch  Chunk  beds,  since  the  red  shales  occur  between  the 
Maxton  Sand,  and  the  base  of  the  Pottsville.  Hence  the  Cairo 
Oil  Sand  which  ivas  formerly  regai'ded  as  a member  of  the  Potts- 
ville formation  by  the  writer,  is  not  so  regarded  now,  although  no 
red  shales  appear  between  it  and'  the  Pottsville  beds  in  the  region 
of  Cairo. 

Eddy  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Cairo.  Authority,  McCalmont  Oil  Company. 

Thickness,  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

10 
50 


Conductor 
Bluff  Sand 


40 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


435 


‘‘IMoiiiitaiii”  Sand  120  170 

Rod  rock  50  220 

l\Iixed  slate 40  260 

Carroll  Sand,  fresh  water 55  295 

Slate  120  415 

Slate  and  sand,  mixed  65  480 

Slate  and  red  rock 75  555 

Lime,  sand  and  red  rock  mixed 45  600 

Slate  and  red  rock 40  640 

Red  rock,  first  cave  20  660 

Limestone  45  705 

Red  rock  and  slate,  mixed  145  850 

Sand  and  slate 15  865 

Big'  red  rock  cave  (8^/4"  casing,  930') ....  65  930 

Dnnkard  Sand  (Cow  Run)  60  990 

White  lime  30  1020 

Slate  and  sand,  mixed SO  1100 

Black  shale  and  slate !". . . 190  1290 

Sand  and  lime,  mixed 15  1305 

Slate  and  cave 10  1315 

Sand;  gas  and  oil  in  top 25  1340 

Cave,  second  streak 55  1395 

Lime  and  sand  (6)4"  casing) 14  1409 

Slate  and  lime,  mixed 91  1500 

' Black  lime  45  1545 

Slate  30  1575 

Gas  Sand  (gas,  1595') 55  1630 

Slate  20  1650 

Salt  Sand  (oil  show,  1710';  watei’,  1716').  93  1743 

Big  Lime  97  1840 

Rig  Injun  Sand  (little  black  oil  in  bottom)  S3  1923 

Slate  320  2243 

Shell,  with  some  gas  (Berea) 5 2248 

Slate  37  2285 

! Shells  10  2295 

' Bottom  2317 

This  record  gives  intervals  between  irn])ortant  sti-ata  and 
shows  that  the  Jierea  Sand  lies  500  feet  below  the  top  of  the  Big 
Lime,  and  about  1300  f(*et  below  the  Cow  Run  or  Diinkai’d  Sand. 
Idle  Pittsburg  coal  horizon  would  eonie  at  about  500  f(H!t  in  this 
record. 

Sleeth  Well,  No.  1. 

'Lliree-fourths  of  a mile  south  of  Cairo.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil 
Company.  Top  well  700'  A.  T. 

Peet.  Feet 

Salt  SfVjd  (Cairo,  Maxton)  (oil,  1500') ..  .1455  to  1520 


43r»  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (RITCHIE) 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1613-23') 1605  1679 

Oil  shows  1628  and  1654 

McGregor  Well,  No.  4. 

Cairo.  Authority,  lh*of.  John  F.  Carll. 

Thickness.  Depth, 
Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  1508  1508 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton)  (oil,  1526') .. . 31  1539 

Big  Lime,  etc 97  1636 

Big  Injun  Sand  (dry) 128  1764 

Pebbly  slate  30  1794 

McGregor  Well,  No.  5. 

Authority,  Prof.  John  F.  Carll. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  1471  1471 

Salt  Sand  (unproductive)  17  1488 

Lhirecorded  (Big  Lime)  95  1583 

Big  Injun  Sand  (good  pay,  1598') 75  1658 

( Eighty-five-barrel  well.) 

McGregor  Well,  No.  6. 

Authority,  Prof.  John  F.  Carll. 

Thickness.  Depth, 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  1616  1616 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton)  37  1653 

Unrecorded  (Big  Lime)  102  1755 

Big  Injun  Sand  130  1885 

M.  C.  Sweeney  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Cairo.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Gas  Sand  1659 

Pay  1700 

Slate  1706 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton)  1745 

First  ^^pay’’  1786 

Total  de))th  1793 

M.  C.  Sweeney  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet. 

Gas  Sand  1768 

Pay  1809 

Slate  1815 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton) 1881 

First  pay  1906 

Bottom  1917 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SIJKVEY 


437 


JL  J.  Lynch  Well,  No.  1. 

Cairo.  Authority,  Soiitli  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Him  Sand  700  to  700 

Gas  Sand  1300  1370 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton)  (oil,  14G9') . . .1457  1478 

A.  M.  Douglass  Well,  No.  2. 

Tlir(‘e-l;‘(mrths  ot'  a mile  south  of  Cairo.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil 


Company. 


Salt  Sand  (oil)  . , 

Dark  sand 

Sand,  show  oil  . . 

Gas  and  oil,  show 

Sand  

Slate  

Dark  lime 

White  lime 

Rig’  Injnn  Sand  (show  oil,  1661') . . . . 

Total  depth 

E.  Moats  Well,  No. 


I Rig'  Lime 


Feet. 

Feet. 

..1468 

to 

1500 

..1500 

i i 

1502 

i ( 

1530 

. .1530 

( ( 

1538 

..1538 

1 1 

1546 

..1546 

( ( 

1559 

1559 

(1 

1574 

1574 

i i 

1648 

. .1648 

i ( 

1757 

1858 

2. 


One  mile  south  of  Cairo.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil  Com^jany. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  (no  gas) 1626  to  1646 

Top  Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton) 1650 

Fii’st  oil 1700 

Good  Sand  to 1708 

Hard,  white  sand  to 1711 

Retter  sand,  more  oil  1735 

Roitom  of  well 1717 

J . Moats  Well,  No.  4. 

One  mile  south  of  Cairo.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  (gas,  1618') 1585  to  1638 

‘ ' Rreak  ’ ' slate 1638  ‘ ' 1672 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton)  oil,  1694  and 

1705' 1672  ‘‘  1710 

Keener  Sand  (Rig  Injnn)  oil 1820  1839 

r/.  Moats  Well,  No.  5. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Well  month  870'  A.  T. 

Gas  Sand,  nearly  all  sand  from 1385 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton)  oil,  1715' 1690  to  1728 

Rig  Injnn  or  Keener  Sand  (gas  and  oil) . .1831  ‘‘  1842 

Total  depth  1852 


m OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (KITCHIE) 

J.  A.  Davidson  Well,  No.  6. 

Two  miles  south  of  Cairo.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil  Comi)any. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  1568  to  1626 

Salt  Sand  ((]airo,  Maxton)  show  gajs, 

1705';  oil,  1715' 1664  1740 

Top  Keener  Sand  (little  gas,  1831') 1815 

Dig  Injun  Sand  1851  1942 

Total  depth  1.969 

J.  II.  Davidson  Well,  No.  7. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  (little  gas,  1370') 1320  to  1378 

Salt  Sand  (little  oil,  1454';  gas,  1472') . . .1407  1480 

Top  of  Keener  Sand 1548 

Strong  gas 1558 

Bottom  well  ]568 

^^Tliis  is  the  only  good  gas  well  struck  near  Cairo.’’ 


Fred  Fichey  Well,  No.  2. 

Three  and  one-half  miles  south  from  Cairo.  Authority,  Cairo 
Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Gas  Sand  (gas,  1760') 1726  to  1805 

Salt  Sand  (no  break)  1805 

First  oil 1860 

Bottom  of  well 1860 


Fred  Fickey  Well,  No.  6. 

1800  feet  west  and  a litth^  south  of  Fickey  well.  No.  2. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Gas  Sand  (no  gas) ■ 

.1565 

to 

1604 

Salt  Sand  (show  oil,  1698') 

Bi{»’  liijun  Sand  (no  ()il  or  p’n.s) 

.1660 
. 1785 

i ( 

1715 

1900 

S(iiiavv  Sand  (gas,  1909') 

.1905 

Another  sand  (12  feet)  

. 1929 

Bot  tom  of  well 

1940 

FicJixy  Well,  No.  8. 

300  feet  iioi-th  of  Fickey  No.  6. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Gas  Sand  (little  oil,  1700') 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton)  dry 

. 1640 

to 

J734 

.1734 

( ( 

1762 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (gas,  1943';  big  gas,  1977' 

) 

(show  oil,  1987') 

.1855 

( ( 

1 987 

Slate  

.1987 

1992 

Shell  Sand  (S<iuaw)  to  bottom 

.1992 

i i 

20061/2 

WEST  VIliaiNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


4TJ 


N line  maker  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  soutli  of  Fiekey  No.  S,  and  little  west,  and  four  miles 
south  of  Cairo.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil  Company. 

Feel.  Feet. 


No  Gas  Sand. 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1797';  oil,  1815') 1774  to  1841 

]>io-  Tiijnn  Sand,  to}) 1950 

Little  gas 2042 

Finished  2045 


G.  W.  Twyman  Well,. 

Three  miles  southwest  Petroleum  Station.  Authority,  Robert 
Wallace. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

First  Cow  Run  Sand  

706 

to 

' 731 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 

796 

1 i 

851 

Third  Cow  Run  Sand 

1148 

i 1 

1217 

Top  Salt  Sand  

1487 

Black  slate  

1540 

Second  Salt  Sand  

1548 

(( 

1578 

Big  Lime  

1578 

t ( 

1628 

Black  slate  

1661 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1661 

( ( 

1740 

Good  Sand ; some  oil ; no  water 

in  any  sand.” 

J.  Jy.  Lewis  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Rusk  Postollice,  in  western  edg^e  of  county.  Authority, 
F.  E.  Boden. 


Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  20  20 

Siiale,  white  10  30 

Red  rock  100  130 

Sandslone,  lUulf  35  105 

Sliale,  black  (1 0-inch  casing)  5 170 

Red  rock  75  245 

Shale,  white  25  270 

Lime  30  300 

Red  rock  40  340 

Shale,  black  and  white .^. . . 15  355 

Sandstone  10  365 

Red  rock  130  495 

Shale,  white  20  515 

Sandstone,  white  15  530 

Red  rock  60  590 

Lime  35  625 

Shale,  white  casing)  25  650 


uo 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOllDS  (lilTCHlE) 


Little  Dunkard,  First  Cow  Run  Sand 

Red  rock  

Shale,  black  

Bi^'  Dunkard  Sand  (Mahoning) 

Slate,  black  

Slate,  white  

Sandstoite,  white  (gas,  970') 

Slate,  white  

Sand  

Cave  and  slate  (6^/4"  casing)  

Sandstone  (top  of  Pottsville) 

Slate,  wdiite 

Slate,  black 

Lime  

Sandstone,  white  

Slate,  black 

Sandstone,  white  (Gas  Sand) 

Lime  

Sandstone,  white  

Slate,  white 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton) 

Sandstone,  black  

Sandstone,  white  

Big  Lime  

Keener  Sand 

Sand  and  slate,  black 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1595') 

Slate  and  shale,  black,  to  bottom 


20 

670 

10 

680 

10 

690 

55 

745 

10 

755 

160 

915 

75 

990 

15 

1005 

60 

1065 

35 

1100 

63 

1163 

47 

1210 

35 

1245 

15 

1260 

55 

1315 

8 

1323 

54 

1377 

5 

1382 

40 

1422 

5 

1427 

42 

1469 

13 

1482 

15 

1497 

38 

1535 

30 

1565 

10 

1575 

72 

1647 

178 

1825 

This  detailed  section  shows  that  the  ‘‘Gas  Sand”  of  the 
Cairo  region  is  probabl}^  the  basal  member  of  the  Pottsville  for- 
mation, and  therefore  entirely  another  and  lower  horizon  than 
the  “Gas  Sand”  of  Marion,  Wetzel,  etc.,  which  belongs  in  the 
Allegheny  formation,  and  probably  the  sand  struck  at  915  feet 
in  this  record. 


W.  A.  Flesher  Well,  No.  1. 

One-half  mile  south  of  Smithville.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Co. 


% 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Coal  

290 

to 

293 

Cow  Ran  Sand 

830 

i ( 

870 

Coal?  

1200 

( 1 

1212 

Salt  Sand  

1250 

C( 

1330 

Big  Ijimc 

C ( 

1741 

Big  Jnjnn  Sand  

Total  depth 

1741 

( ( 

1772 

1892 

. WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


441 


W.  B.  Holt  Well,  No.  1. 

South  fork  Hughes  rivor,  two  miles  below  Sniithville.  Authority, 
Carter  Oil  Compnuy. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Macksbnrgf  Coal  

140 

to 

145 

Cave  

580 

(t 

780 

Cow  Run  Sand 

780 

a 

800 

Salt  Sand  (oil,  1497') 

1481 

< i 

1502 

Total  depth 

1509 

(Five-barrel  well.) 


A.  Wright  Well,  No.  4. 

One  mile  southeast  of  Alellin,  Murphy  district.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  1590  to  1612 

Salt  Sand  (oil,  1714  to  1722';  water, 

1724')  1647  1734 

(Ten-barrel  w^ell.) 

D.  Eddy  Well,  No.  4. 

One  mile  southeast  of  ATellin,  Murphy  district  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 

(Steel  line.)  Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  1513  to  1533 

Salt  Sand  (oil,  1645-52';  water,  1664') . . .1573  1664 

(Five*  barrel  well.) 

C.  Caniphell  Well,  No.  8. 

One  mile  and  a half  southeast  of  Mellin.  Authority,  South  Penn 
■ Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  (gas,  1532') 1522  to  1582 

Salt  Sand  (gas,  1590';  oil,  1097';  water 

1678')  1590  1700 

(Ten-barrel  well.) 

The  record  of  a well  drilled  within  300  feet  of  the  Ritchie 
Mine  (fissure  holding  grahamite)  on  Macfarlan  run,  was  pub- 
lished in  A^ol.  1,  pages  308-9.  In  this  weW  only  a small  quantity  of 
oil  w^as  found.  This  Sand  was  good  but  the  ‘‘w^ell  acted  as  though 
the  Sand  had  been  drained.”  Other  wells  drilled  farthei*  away 
from  the  fissure  however,  secured  good  producing  sand  as  shown 
by  the  following  records : 


442  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  lilTCHIE) 

Dolan  Well,  No.  1. 

600  feet  west  of  south  of  Ritchie  Mines,  Murphy  district.  Au- 


thority, Cairo  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  9 

Ten-inch  casing  500 

Eight  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing IGGO 

Six  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing 1460 

Four  and  seven-eighths-inch  casing 1868 

Salt  Sand  (gas,  1807';  oil,  1819';  water, 

1835')  1752  to  1860 

Keener  Sand  (oil  and  gas,  1920') 1915  1932 

Big  Injun  Sand,  limy  for  50  feet 1932  2030 

Slate  '. 2030  2045 

Squaw  Sand  (two  screws)  2045 

Bottom  2067 


(Fifty  to  seventy-five— barrel  well.) 

Dolan  Well,  No.  3. 


1000  feet  west  of  south  of  Ritchie  Mines.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil 

Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  (little  gas)  1670  to  1748 

Salt  Sand  1748  1857 

Little  gas 1815 

Little  black  oil 1822 

More  oil 1834 

Water  and  more  oil 1846 

IMore  water 1852 

Big  Lime  

Keener  Sand  (no  oil) 1942  1980 

Rig  Injun  Sand,  white  and  good 1980  2025 

Total  depth 2068 

(Fifty  to  seventy-five  barrel  well.) 

Furry  Well,  No.  4. 

1000  feet  west  of  south  of  Ritchie  Mines.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil 

Company.  Peet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  1610  to  1630 

Slate  1630  1730 

Salt  Sand,  top  1730  ‘‘  1745 

Slate  1745  ''  1762 

Salt  Sand  (gas,  1772';  gas  and  oil,  1780').  1762  1821 

Keener  Sand 1883  1905 

Lime  1905  ''  1925 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil) 1925  2013 

(Fifty  to. seventy-five-barrel  well.) 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


443 


F.  FrihUe  Well,  No.  2. 

One-half  mile  south  12°  west  of  Ritchie  Mines.  Anthoilty  Cairo 

f*  ^ 

Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Gas  Sand 

1430 

to 

1442 

Salt  Sand  

1461 

i i 

1479 

Shale  “break”  

1479 

( ( 

1497 

Salt  Sand  (little  gas)  

1499 

First  oil 

1507 

Hard  sand 

1520 

Good  sand  to 

1530 

Sand,  very  white,  to 

1536 

Good  sand  and  more  oil 

Bottom  

1549 

L.  Lemmons  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  east  of  Macfarlan.  Authority,  Cairo  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Gas  Sand  (gas,  1335') 

. .1300 

to 

1425 

Salt  Sand  

..1434 

( ( 

1541 

Good  gas  at 

, . .1444 

Break,  slate 

..1169 

( ( 

1481 

Little  oil  at 

, . .1500 

Big  Injun  Sand  (oil,  1631';  gas,  1636') . . 

. .1631 

( i 

1730 

['hells  and  slate 

..1730 

1 i 

1783 

F.  J.  Lemmon  Well,  No.  1. 

One-half  mile  enst  of  IMaefarlan.  Authority,  (Jairo  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Gas  Sand  1550  to  1580 

^Mlreak”  (slate)  .... 

Salt^  Sand  (gas,  I()45';  gas  and  oil  show, 

1085')  1G25  ‘‘  1732 

Dialled  ihrongli  Dig  Lime  and  Big  Tnjnn 

Sand.  Top  of  Big  Injnn  Sand 1705 

Slate  and  Jiaial,  jioor  sand,  break  at 1900 

Bottom  well  1021 

‘‘Little  gas  in  Keener.” 

A.  E.  Ryan  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Macfarlan.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Coal  • 220 

Fii’st  (5)w  Run  Sand  716  to  734 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand  925  “ 940 

Siuid 1200  “ 1305 

Gas  Sand  (first)  1407  “ 1505 

Gas  Sand,  (second) 1552  “ 1601 


444 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (RITCHIE) 


Salt  Sand  1605 

Big  Lime  1735 

Big  Injun  Sand 1813 

Total  dei)lli  


Smion  Stemms  Well,  No.  1. 


1732 

1813 

1898 

2326 


Murphy  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Sand  

....  8 

to 

88 

Shale  

....  88 

i ( 

263 

Shale,  red  rock 

....  315 

1 ( 

770 

Sand  

....  770 

( 1 

800 

Red  rock  

800 

1 i 

923 

Cow  Run  Sand  

923 

i 1 

978 

Shale  

....  978 

( i 

1200 

’ Sand  

....1200 

1 ( 

1260 

Shale  

. . . .1260 

( i 

1373 

Salt  Sand  

....1373 

{ ( 

1473 

Shale  

....1473 

( ( 

1598 

Cairo  or  Maxton  Sand 

....1598 

( ( 

1650 

Black  shale  

....1650 

i ( 

1678 

Big  Lime 

. . . .1678 

( i 

1762 

Big  Injun  Sand  

....1762 

i 1 

1857 

Total  depth  

2838 

Frederick  Miller  Well, 

No.  1. 

Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Sand  

170 

to 

270 

White  sand  

....  270 

i c 

295 

Sand  

295 

i i 

335 

White  slate 

. ...  335 

i ( 

355 

Sand  

. ...  355 

l i 

445 

Slate  

. ...  445 

i ( 

465 

Lime  

. ...  465 

i c 

615 

Red  rock  

....  615 

i i 

635 

White  slate  

. ...  6.35 

1 1 

670 

Sand 

. ...  670 

< { 

710 

Slate  

. ...  710 

(( 

735 

Sand  : 

. ...  735 

C i 

740 

Black  slate 

( c 

745 

Sand  

745 

( ( 

761 

White  slate  

. ...  761 

( ( 

776 

Black  slate  

(i 

821 

Red  rock  

< ( 

866 

Cow  Run  Sand  

. ...  866 

( ( 

910 

White  slate  

( ( 

960 

Limestone  

( i 

.1035 

Black  slate  

( i 

1095 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


445 


Sand  

( c 

1137 

Black  slate  

1137 

( c 

1237 

Sand  

1237 

i ( 

1287 

Black  slate  

1287 

( c 

1357 

Gas  Sand  

1357 

{ c 

1387 

White  slate  

. . . .1387 

i i 

1397 

Gas  Sand  

....1397 

( ( 

1425 

White  slate  

....1425 

i 1 

1447 

Cairo  Sand  (Maxton) 

....1447 

i ( 

1490 

Strong  gas  

....1456 

Oil,  small  show  

....1474 

Oil,  best  

Bottom  

....1476 

1506 

Frederick  Miller 

Well, 

No.  3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Salt  Sand  (Cairo,  Maxton)  . . . 

....1609 

Gas  

....1629 

Oil  show  

....1650 

Keener  Sand  

....1753 

to 

1763 

Big  Injun  Sand i 

Total  depth  

....1768 

( ( 

1885 

1896 

Frederick  Miller 

Well, 

No.  4. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Salt  Sand  (gas,  1656';  little  oil 
Keener  Sand  (oil,  1786') 

, 1667')...  1652 

....1781 

to 

1800 

Big  Injun  Sand  

. . . .1800 

i i 

1910 

WOOD  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 


Wood  county  lies  directly  west  from  Ritchie  and  southwest 
from  Ideascints,  and  hence  comes  within  the  productive  oil  region 
of  the  State. 

The  Burning  S[)rings-Eureka  anticlinal  uplift  passes  north- 
ward (N.  10°  E.)  tlij-oiigh  its  extreme  eastern  corner,  and  hence 
the  county’s  oil  history  began  in  the  early  60 ’s  soon  aft(‘r  oil  had 
been  disveloped  in  the  adjoining  (‘ounty  of  Wirt,  although  its  mod- 
ern develo[)njent  did  not  begin  until  the  early  90 ’s. 

The  “Shallow”  oj  “Cow  Run”  Sands  of  Wood  have  prob- 
ably pmdiKjed  more  oil  than  the  dec'per  ones  (“Salt”,  Big  Injun, 
and  Berea)  though  these  latter  have  all  proven  productive  in  the 
eastern  half  of  the  county. 

Very  little  oil  has  been  found  west  from  the  Little  Kanawha 
river,  api)arently  because  the  rocks  are  there  beyond  the  limit  of 
the  structural  disturbance  of  the  Burning  Springs  anticlinal,  and 


446 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  REGOKDS  (WOOD) 


hence  are  nearly  horizontal.  In  drilling  through  them  numerous 
“shows”  of  oil  and  gas  are  found  in  all  of  the  regular  sands  but 
not  in  paying  quantity. 

The  Berea  Grit,  or  Macksburg  Sand  of  Ohio,  is  the  lowest 
stratum  which  has  yet  prodiiced  any  oil  in  Wood  county.  It  lies 
340  to  380  feet  below  the  Big  Injun  Oil  Sand,  and  below  it  noth- 
ing but  slate  (excej)t  a “grit”  or  “shell”  at  1610  feet)  has  been 
found  down  to  a d(*pth  of  1923  feet  l)elow  the  Berea  as  wo  learn 
from  the  record  of  the  Momit  Fanri  Deep  Well,  No.  16,  just  east 
from  the  Wood  county  line,  the  record  of  which  is  given  on 
pages  299-300,  Vol.  I,  1899. 

The  following  well  records  will  illustrate  the  rock  succession 
in  Wood  county : 

Well  No.  1,  Section  B,  Lot  47. 

Near  Volcano.  Authority,  Pontius  and  Stiles. 

Thickness.  Depth.  ' 
Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  8 8 

Sandstone,  yellow  4 12 

Soapstone,  white  15  27 

Shale,  black  20  47 

Shale  black 11  58 

Sandstone  12  70 

Shale,  black  6 76 

Sandstone  39  115 

Sandstone,  hard,  white  3 11<S 

Shale,  black  6 124 

Coal  4 128 

Shale,  white  27  155 

Sandstone  15  170 

Shale,  black  5 175 

Sandstone,  white  60  235 

Sand,  black  5 240 

Shale,  blue  43  283 

Sandstone,  gray  14  297 

Sandstone,  white  30  327 

Sandstone,  gray 33  360 

Sandstone,  black  6 366 

Shale,  blue  52  418 

Sandstone,  gray 10  428 

Pebble  17  445 

Sand  and  i)ebble  19  464 

Sandstone,  gray  2 466 

Sandstone,  white  and  yellow  9 475 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


447 


Sandstone,  gray  3 47(S 

Sandstone,  Avliite  4 482 

Sandstone,  tine,  white ' 2 484 

Pel)l)ly  sandstone  2 486 

Sandstone,  brown  6 4t)2 

Sandstone,  white  8 500 

Sandstone,  white,  tine  17  517 

Sandstone,  Avhite  8 525 

Big  Lime  15  540 

Oil  Sand  (Keener)  45  585 

Shale,  black  18  603 

Sandstone,  gassy  (Big  Injun)  37  640 

Volcano  Well,  No.  46. 

Authority,  Pontius  and  Stiles. 

Well  began  about  fifty  feet  under  coal.  Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded  to  791 

Macksburg,  Berea  Sand  good  show  of  oil.  791  to  801 

Slate,  (small  flow  of  gas  at  1438') 801  ‘‘  1438 

E.  S.  Butcher  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Kanawha  Station.  Authority,  Dr.  Hopkins. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Quicksand  15 

Conductor  26 

Limestone  and  shells  34  60 

Hard  limestone  90  150 

Limestone,  sliells  and  slate 268  418 

Coal  (Redstone?)  1 419 

Sand,  show  of  oil  27  446 

Coal  (Pittsburg?)  1 447 

Limestone,  siiells  and  slate 138  585 

lied  cave  240  825 

Unrecorded  and  hard  sand  shell 30  855 

Vei-y  black  slate  15  870 

Boulder  ^^cave”  25  895 

Se('()nd  Cow  Run  Sand  (sliow  of  oil)....  205  1100 

Sand,  watei-,  gas  and  ilow  of  salt  water..  50  1150 

Sand  20  1170 

Sand  lot)  LJCO 

Br()ken  sand  and  slate 90  139() 

Salt  Sand  110  1500 

Big  Lime  90  1590 

Slate  10  1600 

White  sand  5 1605 

Hard,  dark,  broken  sand  and  lime 320  1925 

Unrecorded  120  2045 

Black  slate,  with  shell  (Berea)  at  top 


448 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECORDS  (Y^OOD) 


(show  of  oil)  15  2060 

Limy  sand,  hlac'k  and  grayish  blac'k  shale. 

with  much  lime  . 1461/2  22061/2 

Ralston  Gas  Well. 

Union  district.  Record  obtained  from  Long  Reach  Oil  Company. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

' Surface  20 

Green  sand  20  40 

Slate  5,50  .590 

First  cave  50  640 

Slate  125  765 

Cow  Run  Sand  (or  shells)  30  795 

I Slate  40  835 

' Cave  35  870 

Slate  180  1050 

Ralston  Sand  (oil)  70  1120 

Slate  40  1160 

Upper  Salt  Sand 40  1200 

Slate  145  1345 

Lower  Salt  Sand 110  14,55 

Slate  20  1475 

: Big  Injun  Sand 145  ' 1620 

Slate  280  1900 

Stray  Sand 10  1910 

Slate  86  1996 


( dark  gray  sand 8'  \ 

Bottom  of  well  29  2045 

James  A.  Kelly  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  northeast  of  Tallyho  Postoffice,  Union  district.  Au- 
thority, Hope  Natural  Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Dunkard  Sand  1070  to  1085 

Salt  Sand  133(5  1410 

Big  Injun  Sand  1690  ‘‘  1876 

Berea  (gas,  heavy,  2184') 2184  2198 

W.  S.  Williamson  Well,  No.  1. 

Ogdin — Ilendei'shot  held,  Union  district.  Authority  Union  Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Berea  2123  to  2133 

Gas  2123 

Oil  2123  ‘‘  2133 


WEST  VTKGINTA  GEOLOGICAL  RUKVEY  'IIO 

f ' TY.  .S'.  Williarnson  Well  No.  2. 

' Feet.  Feet. 

Berea  Sand  2145  to  215() 

Gas  2145 

Oil  2145  215() 

Total  dei)lli  2184 

lY.  S.  Williamson  Well,  No.  3. 

’ Feet.  Feet. 

' Ten-inch  casing  415 

Eight  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing .1185 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1820 

First  Cow  Run  Sand  9(i() 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand  1020 

Salt  Sand  1480 

Big  Injun  Sand  1700 

Berea  (gas  and  oil) 2190  to  2200 

TY.  S.  Williamson  Well,  No.  4. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Bottom  of  Big  Injun  Sand 1790 

Berea  Grit  2158  to  2109 

Slate  2109  2179 

Total  depth 2183 

lY.  8.  Williamson  Well,  No.  5. 

''jy  Feet.  Feet. 

Cave  795 

First  Cow  Run  Sand  970  to  1000 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 1200  1220 

Salt  water  at  1770 

Big  Injun  Sand  1775  “ 1800 

Berea  Sand  2190  2202 

Bottom  of  well  22111/^ 


, W.  S.  Williamson  No.  0,  got  Berea 2117  to  2131 

; ■ W.  S.  Williamson  No.  7,  got  Berea 2200  2211 

W.  S.  Williamson  No.  8,  got  Berea 2273  “ 2283 

L.  M.  Neivbanks  Well,  No.  1. 

-Union  district.  Authority,  Union  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Ten-inch  casing  342 

Eight  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing 921 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 17()0 

Berea  Grit  (gas  and  oil) 2109  to  2119 

Bf)itom  of  hole 2128 

L.  M.  Newhanks  Well,  No.  2. 

1 Fcpf  Fppt 

\ Berea.  Sapd  2226  to  2239 


450  OIL  AND  OAS  WELL  RECORDS  (WOOD) 

Gas  2226 

Oil  2226  2237 

L.  M.  Neivhanks  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Berea  (i^as,  2170';  oil,  2170  to  2187') . . . .2170  to  2187 

Total  depth  21091/2 

L.  M.  Neivhanks  Well,  No.  4. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 1000 

Big  Injun  Sand  1685  to  1830 

Berea  Sand  (gas,  2171';  oil  and  gas,  2171' 

to  2185' )\... ! 2171  2185 

L.  M.  Newhanks  Well,  No.  5. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Caving  places  800  to  1100 

Cow  Run  Sand  900  1010 

Salt  Sand  1550  1580 

Salt  water  at  1770 

Big  Injun  Sand 1770  1010 

Berea  Sand  (oil  and  gas) 2254  2268 

Pratt  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  district.  Authority,  Union  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cave  800  to  1130 

Cow  Run  Sand  1180  1220 

Salt  Sand  1600  1640 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  1760') 1760  1910 

Berea  Grit 2285  ‘‘  2393 

Makin  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Ogdin.  Authority,  McCalmont  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Ten-inch  casing  350 

Fight  and  one-fourth-inch  casing 777 

Six  and  five-eighths-ineh  casing  1185 

Five  and  three-sixteenths-inch  casing.  ..  .1745 

Berea  (oil,  2112') .....2106  to  21181/2 

Total  depth  2126 

Makin  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Berea  (oil.  20.33') 2029  to  2040 

Total  depth  2042 

Makin  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Berea  (oil,  2054')  2051  to  2061 

Total  deinli  2068 


WEST  VIRCUNTA  GEOLOGTCAL  SURVEY 


451 


Mali' in  Welly  No.  4. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Berea  (oil,  2140') 213G  to  2140 

Total  (le]>tli  2160 


Noah  Ogdin  Well,  No.  2. 


Ogdiii  Pool,  IBiioii  disti’ict.  Authority,  Union  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Iiiin  Sand 1033  to  1073 

Big  Injun  Sand 1670  1764 

Berea  (gas  and  oil) 2154  2163 

Bottom  " 2182 

Montgomery  Well,  No.  2. 

Union  district.  Authority,  U.  S.  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Rim  Sand  (oil,  1270') 1260  to  1330 

Salt  Sand  1590  ''  1645 

j\raxton  Sand  1690  1780  / 

Big  Injnn  Sand  1850  2075 

Berea  Grit  (oil,  2340  to  2347') 2340  ‘‘  2351 

Bottom  2361 

’ Montgomery  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  vSand  1225  to  1370 

Salt  Sand  1550  ‘‘  1595 

Maxton  Sand  1()50  1740 

Big  Lime  1740  ‘‘  1800 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  1820'  and  1860'). 1800  1960 

Berea  Grit  (gas  and  oil,  2302') 2300  ''  23111/0 

! Bottom  23211/2 

Montgomery  Well,  No.  4. 

; 1 Feet.  Feet. 

\ First  (5)w  Run  Sand  710  to  730 

(^ave  890 

Second  Cow  h'lm  Sand  (oil,  1155) 1145  ‘‘  1165 

Salt  Sand  (Maxton)  1660  “ 1690 

I Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  1755') 1740  “ 1920 

Berea  Grit  (gas,  2250') 2249  2260 

Bottom  2266 

Montgomery  Well,  No.  5. 

Feet.  Feet. 

First  (5)W  Run  Sand  (oil) 750  to  780 

Second  ('ow  h’nn  Sand  (oil) 1210  “ 1255 

■ Salt  Sand  (Maxton)  (water  and  oil) ...  .1690  “ 1720 

' Big  Injun  Sand  1800  1980 

Bmea  (}ri|  2317  2326 


452 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOllDS  (WOOD; 


J.  Brown  Well,  No.  1. 

Union  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Second  Cow  Run  Sand  1100  to  1135 

Berea  Grit  (gas,  2212') 2208  2220 

Bottom  2225 


Grihhle  Well,  No.  1. 


Union  district.  Authority,  United  States  Oil  Company. 
Ogdin  pool. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

First  Cow  Rim  Sand 

. . 960 

to 

980 

Second  Cow  Rim  Sand  

. .1280 

( ( 

1300 

Salt  Sand  (oil,  1500')  

. .1500 

( { 

1550 

Big  Injim  Sand  (show  oil,  1850') 

. .1820 

( ( 

1955 

Berea  Grit  (oil  and  gas,  2315') 

..2315 

( ( 

23221/2 

Bottom  of  well 

2332 

Pollock  Well,  No.  5. 

Near  Waverly.  Authority,  Crawford  & Wilson. 

Feet. 

Casing  ten-inch  

. 480 

Casing  eight  and  one-fourth-inch 

.1230 

Casing  six  and  five-eighths-inch 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. .1100 

.1957 

Big  Injun  Sand 

.1800 

to 

1957 

Berea  Sand  

..2302 

i ( 

2310 

The  records  of  J.  B.  Hendershot  wells  Nos.  1 and  2 which 
opened  the  Hendershot  pool,  six  to  eight  miles  south  from  Wa- 
verly,  is  given  in  Vol.  I,  pages  292-4. 

The  following  is  the  record  of  No.  3 well  on  the  same  farm: 


J . B.  Hendershot  Well,  No.  3. 
Hendershot  field.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Duiikai'd  Sand 

1168 

to 

1204 

Salt  Sand 

1500 

( ( 

1690 

Big  Injun  Sand 

1690 

C ( 

1908 

Berea  Sand  

Bottom  

22-10 

i ( 

2250 

2259 

(Dry.) 


The  driller  has  made  no  distinction  here  between  the  Salt 
Sand,  Big  Ijime  and  Keener  horizons. 


WEST  VIIUHNIA  (JEOLDGKJAL  SEliVEY  453 

EschcnbacJcei'  Well,  No.  2. 

irendorsliot  pool.  Autliorily,  U.  S.  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Klin  Sand  K)f)5  to  1140 

Gas  Sand  (water,  1410') 1400  1440 

Salt  Sand  (oil  show) 1540  “ 1600 

Bio'  Injun  Sand  (water,  1710') 1690  “ 1890  - 

Berea  Grit  2217  2227 

Bottom  2332 

Ten-inch  casing  265 

Eight  and  one-fonrth-ineh  casing 1095 

Six  and  five-eighths-inch  casing 1890 

■ Eschenhacker  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet  Feet 

Cow  Run  Sand  1155  to  1185 

Salt  Sand  1500  1580 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (water)  1822  1940 

Berea  Grit  2291  2302 

Bottom  2314 

McPeak  Well,  No.  1. 

Hendershot  field.  Authority,  U.  S.  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Klin  Sand  (water,  1128') 1108  to  1160 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1450') 1440  ‘‘  1460 

Maxton  Sand  1()40  1700 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (water,  1740') 1725  ‘‘  1900 

Berea  Grit  22331/9^'  2240 

McPeak  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Ked  cave  870 

Biack  cave  1115 

Cow  Knn  Sand  (watei-,  1160') 1140  to  1280 

Salt  Sand  1480  “ 1495 

Keener  (Maxton?)  Sand 1680  1740 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (water,  1770') 1760  1920 

Berea  Grit  (oil  and  gas,  2268') 2264  2273 

McPeak  Well,  No.  3. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Knn  Sand  1030  to  1070 

Salt  Sand  1400  1480 

Maxton  Sand  1600  16()0 

Big  Injnn  Sand  1700  1850 

Berea  Gilt  (gas  and  oil,  2200') 2200  ‘‘  2211 

Ten-inch  casing  230 

Eight  and  one-fonrth-inch  casing 1040 

Six  and  live-eighths-inch  easing 1850 


454 


Oil.  AKD  GAS  WELL  KECOUDS  .WOOD; 


liulli  Wharton  Well,  No.  1. 

Ilendersliot  pool.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Hull  Sand  lOOo  to  1025 

Salt  Sand  1150  1400 

Maxton  Sand  1520  “ 1500 

Pig  Lime  1500  1025 

Pig  Injnn  Sand  1025  “ 1830 

Pei-ea  Colt  *. 2110 

Total  dei)tli  2144 

The  sand  usually  termed  ‘‘Cow  Run”  in  these  records,  is  in 
most  cases  the  Second  Cow  Run  Sand.  , 

Ruth  Wharton  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  1090  to  1130 

Salt  Sand,  Maxton 1500  1070 

Pig  Tninn  Sand 1750  1930 

Perea  Grit  2215  “ 222S 

Total  depth  2242 

Dye  Well,  No.  1. 

Hendershot  held.  Authority,  United  States  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Red  cave  850 

Plaek  cave  1000 

Cow  Run  Sand  1045  to  1080 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1380') 1380  1425 

Maxton-Keener  Sands  (water,  1575') ...  .1555  1015 

Pig  Injun  Sand  (water,  1025') 1025  ‘‘  1825 

Perea  Grit  (oil) 2170  2184 

Ten-inch  casing 200 

Piglit-inch  casing  1045 

Six  and  five-eigliths-incli  casing 1825 

Cltarles  Shattuek  Well,  No.  1,9. 

Hendershot  Pool.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Limestone  92  to  112 

Red  cave  880  “ 890 

Red  rock  940  1000 

Sand  (water)  1540  1020 

Keener  and  Pig  [njiin  Sands 1840  ‘‘  1995 

1/nne,  hard  2095  2145 

Pei'ea  Sand 2333 

Pottom  2335 


WEST  VIlUflNIA  GEOLO(UCAL  SURVEY 


455 


Charles  Slutliuck  Well,  No.  20. 
IloiKlorshot  field.  Aulliority,  Soutli  Peiiii  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

1170 

to 

1190 

Salt  Sand  

1430 

i i 

1480 

Maxton  Sand  

1700 

( i 

1775 

Bi”'  Injun  Sand  

1800 

L t 

1924 

Pierea  Sand  (oil) 

2272 

( i 

2284 

Bottom  

2298 

A.  B.  Wharton  Well,  No.  1.. 

Hendershot  Pool.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Berea  Sand  2117 

Total  depth  2153 


Elgie  Grant  Well,  No.  1. 

Hendershot  Pool.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Berea  Grit  (oil,  2238') 

. .2230 

to 

2243 

Total  depth  

2254 

Elgie  Grant 

Well,  No. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  

..1095 

to 

1115 

Salt  Sand  

. .1300 

i ( 

1435 

Maxton  Sand  

1035 

Big  Injun  Sand  

. .1720 

C ( 

1910 

Berea  Grit  

. .2230 

( i 

2251 

Bottom  

2203 

Elgie  Grant 

Well,  No. 

3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Berea  

. .2281 

to 

2292 

De])th  

2315 

Elgie  Grant 

Well,  No. 

4. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

. .1028 

to 

1058 

Salt  and  Maxton  Sands  . . . . 

. .1408 

( ( 

1048 

Big  Injun  Sand  

. .1048 

i i 

1848 

Shell  

2128 

Berea  

. .2143 

t ( 

2150 

Total  depth  

2171 

Joshua  Burge  Well,  No.  1. 

Short  distance'  nortli  1‘rom  Nortiiwestern  dMrnpike  and  one-half 


45G 


OIL  AHi}  GAS  WELL  liECOllDS  (WOOL) 


to  tliree-fourtlis  of  a mile  westerly  from  Murphytown,  Clay  dis- 
trict. Authority,  Prof.  John  F.  Carll. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  10 

Red  shales  140  150 

Sand  (10"  casing,  245') 25  175 

Slate,  light  thin  shells,  sand  and  lime.  . . . 375  570 

Ihrne  and  shells  5 575 

Sand  25  600 

Red  cave,  etc 200  800 

Slate  and  shells  130  930 

Sand  (8)4''  easing,  940') 30  960 

Slate,  dark  50  1010 

Sand  (little  Water,  oil  show,  1040') 105  1115 

Slate  130  1245 

Salt  Sand  (little  water)  95  1340 

Slate,  dark,  occasional  shells 145  1485 

Sand  (salt  water,  1555')  80  1565 

Slate  25  1590 

Sand  (very  soft,  white;  6^/4"  easing, 

1625')  ‘ 35  1625 

Big  Lime,  white  45  1670 

Sand,  Big  Injnn  (water,  1710-15') 90  1760 

Slate,  sJiells  (5"  casing,  1810') 115  1875 

Lime,  white,  sandy 10  1885 

Slate,  shelly  245  2130 

Slate,  black  20  2150 

Shells,  place  of  Berea  10  2160 

Slate  to  bottom  205  2365 

J.  D.  Walker  Well,  No.  6. 

Murphytown.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  1165  to  1195 

Salt  Sand  1470 

Big  Injnn  Sand  1700  1949 

Berea  Grit  2301 

Total  depth 2327 

John  Alleman  Well,  No.  1 

Murphytown.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Berea  Sand  2192  to  2200 

John  Alleman  Well,  No.  2. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Dnnkard  Sand  1180  to  1210 

Salt  Sand  1420  ''  1550 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


Big  Injun  Sand  

, .1750 

< { 

1950 

Berea  Oil  at 

. .2203 

Total  depth  

2311 

John  Alleman  Well,  No. 

5. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  

.1172 

to 

1202 

Salt  Sand  

.1457 

( i 

1630 

Big  Injun  Sand  

.1720 

( ( 

1935 

Berea  Sand  

.2292 

( ( 

2299 

Total  depth  

2311 

Susan  Grant  Well,  No.  2. 


Murphytown.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand 

..1180 

to 

1190 

Salt  Sand  

..1200 

Maxton  Sand  

. .1605 

i ( 

1640 

Big  Injun  Sand  

..1710 

t i 

1870 

Berea  Sand  (oil,  2247') 

2242 

( ( 

2254 

Susan  Grant  Well,  No. 

3. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Cow  Run  Sand  

. .1095 

to 

1122 

Salt  Sand  

. .1196 

( ( 

1635 

Maxton  Sand  

. .1635 

i ( 

1715 

t ig  Injun  Sand 

. .1725 

( 1 

1910 

Berea  Sand  

oo‘>o 

( ( 

2262 

Z>.  C.  Farrow  Well,  No. 

1. 

Murphytown.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 


Cow  Run  Sand  1141  to 

Salt  Sand  1400 

Big-  Injun  Sand  16S0 

Berea  Grit  226G 

Total  depth  2285 


IP.  II.  Compton  Well,  No.  1. 
About  three  miles  above  Williamstown,  near  river. 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet. 


Lime  36  to 

Red  rock  51 

Coal  128  '' 

Lime  233  “ 

White  slate  248 

Lime 275  '' 

Red  rock  305 

Lime  325  ‘‘ 


Feet. 

1211 

1870 


Autliority, 


Feet. 

51 

128 

133 

248 

275 

305 

325 

335 


458 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (WOOD) 


Red  ro('k  

335 

( ( 

350 

White  slate 

350 

( 1 

370 

Red  rock  

370 

( 1 

400 

Lime  

400 

i i 

415 

Red  rock  

415 

( i 

450 

White  slate  

450 

C ( 

470 

Lime  

470 

( i 

495 

Red  rock  

495 

i i 

550 

Lime  shale  and  sand 

550 

i ( 

580 

Red  rock  

580 

1 ( 

610 

White  slate  

610 

( ( 

630 

Black  slate  

630 

( ( 

645 

Lime  

645 

i i 

670 

Pale  red  rock 

670 

( i 

705 

First  Cow  Ran  Sand 

705 

i i 

735 

White  slate  

735 

i i 

771 

Second  Cow  Ran  Sand 

771 

( i 

813 

White  slate  

813 

i ( 

833 

Sand  

833 

( i 

853 

Shale  

853 

i 1 

883 

Sand  

883 

i i 

976 

Slate  

976 

i ( 

1000 

Sand  

1000 

1 i 

1090 

Slate  

1090 

( i 

1150 

Sand  

1150 

i i 

1210 

Slate  

1210 

i i 

1260 

Sand  

1260 

i ( 

1335 

Slate,  shell  

1335 

i i 

1405 

Bio’  Injun  Sand 

1405 

i i 

1605 

Black  slate  

1605 

i i 

1615 

Slate  

1615 

i c 

1705 

Sand  

1705 

i i 

1717 

Hard  shell  

1717 

i c 

1719 

Black  shale  

1719 

i i 

1737 

Berea  Sand  

1918 

i i 

1920 

Total  depth  

1948 

M.  VF.  Athey  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  south  of  Williamstown.  Authority,  South 
Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Wiiite  sand  

230 

to 

260 

Sand  

i ( 

530 

Coal  (?)  

( c 

558 

I\ed  I’ock  

600 

1 1 

700 

Cow  Run  Sand 

818 

( ( 

840 

Salt  Sand  

970 

C ( 

1046 

Shale  and  shells  

1046 

i c 

1435 

WEST  VlUGlNiA  GEOL()(UCAE  SURVEY 


459 


Broken  Sand  (Maxton ?)  ... 

14:!;')  “ 

1457 

Keener  Sand  

1490 

1520 

Big  Injnn  Sand  (gas,  oil 

and  w ater. 

^ 1588')  

1520 

1073 

Oreer  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Vieiiiai  Station,  tour  miles  north  of  Parkersburg.  Author- 
ity, Pi'of.  Jolin  F.  Carll. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Unrecorded  790 

Cow  Run  Sand  (oil,  794';  water,  840';  oil, 

870') 

Unrecorded  49 

Sand  20 

Unrecorded 75 

Salt  Sand 

Unrecorded  314 

Big'  Lime 

Big  Injun  Sand  (gas,  1420'  and  1507'; 
water,  1498') 

Unrecorded  (5^4"  easing,  1033') 208 

Black  slate  28 

Slate  and  pebbles  (/‘cajU’) 

( (lood  sand  8' 

) slaty  sand  5' 

Unrecorded  to  })ottoni  

Elias  McEJierson  Well,  No.  J. 


Berea 


Feet. 

Feet. 

. 790 

790 

b 

. 100 

890 

. 49 

945 

. 20 

905 

. 75 

1040 

. 10 

1050 

. 314 

1370 

. 30 

1400 

203 

1003 

. 208 

1871 

. 28 

1899 

2 

1901 

1914 

. 10 

1924 

One-half  nvil(‘  nortlieast  from  Red  Hill  Postofliee,  and  six  miles 
due  east  of  Parlau'sburg.  Authority,  Prof.  John  P.  Cai*ll. 

Thickness.  Dejdli. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductoi*  10 

Red  and  lime  shells  t90  200 

Sand,  soft,  white 25  225 

Coal  (Washington?)  5 230 

Red  and  lime  shells,  thin 115  345 

Slate,  light  and  dark  shells 155  500 

Sand  50  550 

Slate,  gray  and  soft  110  000 

Sand  15  075 

Red  sand,  varying  light  and  dark 105  840 

Sand  ■.... 30  870 

Lime  30  900 

Sand  (water)  35  935 

Slate,  black  30  905 

Shell,  limy  (oil,  smell) 15  980 


4G0 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (WOOD) 


Slate,  dark  25  1005 

Slate,  white  25  1030 

Shells  20  1050 

Slate  70  1120 

Sand  20  1140 

Slate  35  1175 

Slate,  dark  and  light 35  1210 

Sandstone,  dark  gray 20  1230 

Shells  80  1310 

Sand  (water,  1320')  50  1360 

Shells  and  slate,  dark 115  1475 

Slate  25  1500 

Sand,  light,  little  water 30  1530 

Sand,  dark  10  1540 

Slate  25  1565 

Sand,  limy  (water,  1590')  (Maxton) 40  1605 

Big  Lime ' 50  1655 

Sand  (Keener)  15  1670 

Slate  60  1730 

Sand,  dark  (Big  Injun) 15  1745 

Slate  10  1755 

Sand,  dark  and  impure  15  1770 

Slate  (occasional  thin  shell) 70  1840 

Lime  (shell,  sandy,  very  hard 5 1845 

Slate,  thin  shells 100  1945 

Shells  5 1950 

Slate  20  1970 

Shell  (oil  smell)  5 1975 

Slate  150  2125 

Slate,  black  30  2155 

Shells  (place  of  Berea)  25  2180 

Slate,  light,  to  bottom 93  2273 

Marsh  Well,  No.  1. 

Slacktown,  four  miles  east  of  Parkersburg.  Authority,  John  F. 

Carll. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  30 

Shells  and  sand  (water,  115') 90  120 

Sliale,  black  115  235 

Red  rock  165  400 

Sliale,  black  75  475 

Sand  15  490 

Red  rock  125  615 

Shale,  black  65  680 

Lime,  shells  20  700 

Red  rock  190  890 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


401 


Cow  T\iui  Sami  (water,  900  to  910') 

. 110 

1000 

Slate,  black  

. 40 

1040 

Sami,  liard  

. 25 

1065 

Slate,  bladv  

. 40 

1105 

Sami  

. 20 

1125 

Slate,  black  

. 10 

1135 

Sand  

. 40 

1175 

Slate,  black  

. 125 

1300 

Limy  sand  

. 105 

1405 

( sand,yellow  and  hard. 90'  ) 
Big  Injun  j black  and  soft.  115'  ( 

205 

1610 

Sand,  black  and  soft  

Slate  and  shell  (cased,  1725') 

. 115 

1725 

. SO 

1805 

Clear  shale  

. 196 

2001 

Berea  (only  shells)  

. 13 

2014 

Shale  

. 216 

2230 

Luhec  and  Lehman  Well. 


On  Deva]  Farm,  Tygarts  district.  Authority,  Prof.  John  F. 
Carll. 


Thickness.  Depth. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Unrecorded  

690 

Shale,  black  

. 160 

850 

Sand  (salt  water)  

. no 

960 

Shale,  black  

. 60 

1020 

Sand,  white  

. 15 

1035 

Shale,  blue  

. 25 

1060 

Sand,  white  

Shale,  black  

. 35 

1095 

. 20 

1115 

Sand,  white  

. 15 

1130 

Shale,  black  

. 20 

1150 

Sand,  white  

. 50 

1200 

Shale,  black  

. ()0 

1260 

Salt  Sand  

. 110 

1370 

Shale  

. 20 

1390 

Big'  Lime  

. 30 

1400 

Sand,  gray  (Keener) 

Slate  

. 40 

1440 

5 

1''45 

Big  Injun  

45'  j 
.145'  ( 

190 

1635 

Sand,  gray  

. 115 

1750 

Shale,  blue  

Shale,  blue  (cable  measurement. 

1936' 

. 150 

1900 

wire,  1943')  

. 43 

1943 

Sand  (gas  and  oil)  Berea 

(j 

1949 

Slate,  black 

Sand,  dark  

. 271 

2220 

. 25 

2245 

462 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL^  RECORDS  (WIRT^ 


Sliale,  black  to  bottom 755  3000 

Poling  Fann  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Chesterville.  Authority,  Miller  & Sibley. 


Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Conductor  14  14 

Unrecorded  101  175 

Sand  30  205 

Unrecorded  330  535 

Sand  15  550 

Unrecorded  150  700 

Sand  15  715 

Unrecorded  (oil  in  shell  at  870') 243  958 

Sand  20  978 

Unrecorded  40  1018 

Sand,  Big'  Cow  Knn  (Water,  1090'  and 

1165')  150  1168 

Unrecorded  67  1235 

Sand  25  1260 

Unrecorded  10  1270 

Sand  61  1331 

Uniecorded  25  1356 

Sand  56  1412 

Slate  78  1490 

Big  Lime  80  1570 

Big  Injun  Sand  105  1675 

Lime,  break  10  1685 

Big  Injun  Sand  48  1733 

Lime,  gritty  67  1800 

Slate  and  shells 347  2147 

Black  shale  25  2172 

Shells,  place  of  Berea  .... 


WIRT  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

WUrt  C5oiiiity  has  WMod  for  its  iioidliwosterii  boundary,  and 
Calhoun  on  its  southeastern  l)order. 

As  already  related  in  Chapter  I,  the  first  oil  well  in  the  state 
to  be  drilled  solely  for  oil  was  sunk  near  Burning  S])rings  in 
this  county,  aiul  obtained  a good  flow  of  oil  in  one  of  the  numer- 
ous ‘‘Cow  Bun  Sands,”  so  that  Wirt  was  the  first  county  in  West 
Virginia  (then  Virginia)  to  produce  oil  in  large  quantity.  Burn- 
ing Springs  in  this  county  got  its  name  from  natural  gas  which 
issuing  from  the  ground  in  a pool  of  water  made  by  a spriilg, 
would  flash  into  a flame  when  a lighted  match  or  torch  was  held 


WEST  VTllGINIA  GEOEOGICAL  SURVEY 


403 


over  the  eseni)ing’  gas.  Tlio  ‘‘Spring”  was  near  the  crest  of  the 
gr(‘at  areli  in  Mie  rocks  whicli  coming  down  from  the  southwest 
along  the  valley  oT  S[)ring  creek,  in  a low  broad  swell,  suddenly 
T’ises  into  a very  })ronoiinced  fold  with  steeply  dipping  sides,  to 
continue  on  north  about  11°  east  through  Volcano  to  the  Ohio 
river  near  Eureka.  The  early  oil  operations  followed  closely  the 
crest  of  this  uplift,  the  first  producing  well  on  the  Rathboue  tract 
being  locat('d  near  the  axial  line  of  the  same  wliere  a 100  barrel 
well  was  secured  at  a depth  of  303  feet,  in  the  Dunkard  Sand. 

The  Rolierts  Brothers  drilled  a well  through  all  of  the  Ve- 
nango group  of  Sands  in  this  region,  and  as  its  top  begins  only 
25  feet  below  the  Ames  (Green  Crinoidal)  Limestone,  and  its 
underlying  Friendsville  coal,  its  record  is  of  much  interest  in 
fixing  the  exact  geological  horizons  of  the  producing  oil  sands  in 
the  Burning  Springs  region.  It  reads  as  follows : 

Record  of  Roberts  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Burning  Springs. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  and  red  shale 60  60 

Limestone,  veiy  hard  6 66 

Red  and  blue  shales  69  135 

Sand  (water  and  parafhne) 10  145 

Blue  shales,  soft  99  244 

Sand,  Dunkard,  (Mahoning)  good  show  of 

oil  (Cow  Run?)  71  315 

Cr’ay  and  blue  shales  57  372 

Sand  31  403 

Shale  " 33  436 

Sand,  gray,  shelly,  oil  show  at  base  (^‘Gas 

Sand,’’  Second  Cow  Run?) 55  491 

Shale,  gray  79  570 

Sand  60  630 

Shale,  blue  an'd  gray ITS  TkS 

“Salt  Sand,”  upper  member,  good  gas 

How  (2,500,000  feet)  f 5S  81:6 

Shale  14  820 

“Salt  Sand,”  lower  member,  Cairo  (vr 

Maxton  Sand  110  930 

Limestone,  (“Big  Lime”)  very  hard, 

lowei-  half  mixed  with  sand  115  1045 

“Big  Injun”  Sand,  fair  oil  show 50  1095 

Shale,  gray  385  1480 


464 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  (WIRT) 


Black  shale,  mixed  with  sand  (“Berea”) 

and  showing  oil 10  1490 

Shale,  gray  385  1875 

Black  shale,  lower  halt  mixed  with  sand 

(“Gordon”)  showing  oil 15  1890 

Shale,  very  soft  in  lower  i)ortion  to  bot- 
tom of  well 120  2010 


The  sand  at  244  feet  is  the  one  into  which  the  first  well  was 
drilled  in  1860,  and  would  api)ear  to  be  the  Dunkard  Sand  (Ma- 
honing) of  I’ennsylvania.  The  rest  of  the  section  speaks  for  it- 
self, except  that  probably  the  lower  half  of  the  ^‘Big  Lime” 
should  be  included  in  the  Big  Injun  Sand  below. 

Near  Burning  Springs  village  a well  drilled  into  the  Big  In- 
jun Sand  secured  a fair  flow  of  oil  in  its  top.  It  is  known  as  the 
Keener  Sand  well,  and  its  record  is  as  follows,  according  to  Rob- 
erts Bros. : 


Keener  Well,  ofi  Rathhone  Tract. 


Elevation  above  creek  level  60  feet. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

(Jow  Rim  Sand  (Dunkard)  

. ...  272 

to 

349 

Thirty-foot  Sand  

....  401 

i i 

432 

Five-lmndred-foot  Sand  

. ...  473 

a 

530 

Gas  Sand  

. ...  600 

i i 

660 

Salt  Sand  (Maxton,  Cairo) 

. ...  777 

( i 

960 

Big  Lime 

. ...  960 

i i 

1060 

Keener  Sand  

....1060 

i i 

1083 

Big  Injun  Sand 

. . . .1088 

( ( 

1128 

Rathhone  Tract. 

“Five  Hundred-Foot  ’ ’ 

Well. 

Near  Burning  Springs.  Authority,  Roberts  Bros. 

Elevation  above  creek  56  feet. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand  (Dunkard) . . . 

...  206 

to 

278 

Thirty-foot  Sand 

, ...  330 

( i 

361 

Five-hundred-foot  Sand  

. ..  407 

i ( 

470 

Kalkhone  Tract. 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand  Well. 
Near  Burning  Springs.  Authority,  Roberts  Bros. 
Elevation  above  creek  150  feet. 


Second  Cow  Rim  Sand 


Feet.  Feet. 
. 356  to  428 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


405 


Tlie  followinjx  n'cord  was  ko])t  with  iriucli  care  by  the  late 
Prof.  F.  W.  iMiiisliali  of  Marietta,  Ohio,  and  is  iiiii)ortant  as 
showiiifi’  the  presence  of  sevei’al  coal  beds  below  the  surface.  Mr. 
Minshall  states  that  the  well  be5:»ins  70  feet  below  the  Ames  lime- 
stone, and  lunice  betweii  800  and  850  feet  below  the  horizon  of 
the  Ibttsbiir^'  coal,  the  coal  bed  itself  being  absent  from  the  meas- 
ures nearly  everywhere  in  Wirt: 

Smipson  Well,  No.  1. 

Devers  Fork.  Authority,  F.  W.  Minshall. 

Thickness.  Depth. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Cased  at  

83 

Shale,  gray  

. . 35 

118 

Coal  

..  4 

122 

Shales,  dark  

. . 16 

138 

Shale,  gray 

, . 34 

173 

Sand,  dark,  firm 

. 23 

196 

Sand,  i3ebbly 

, . 11 

207 

Shale,  gray  

, . 13 

220 

Coal  (Mahoning)  

,.  4 

224 

Shale,  gray 

Sand,  gray 3'  ‘l 

Sand,  white,  coarse  ....  0'  | 

. 16 

240 

Sand,  white,  finer 3' 

Sand,  gray 28'  j 

Sand,  while,  fine 8'  j 

Coal,  (Upper  Freeport) 

Dnnkard 

48 

288 

3 

291  ^ 

Shale,  gray  

18 

309 

Sand,  gray 

Coal  and  clay  (Lower  Free- 

30 

339 

i 

1 

port)  

0 

345 

1 

Clay  and  shales  

5 

350 

Shales,  sandy  

Sand,  gray  (show 

9 

359  i 

oil)  10'  ^ Second 

Sand,  white  and  > Cow 

29 

388 

Allegheny 

pebbly  19'  ) Run 

Shale,  gray  

Coal  and  clay  (Middle.. 

52 

440  1 

Kittanning)  

5 

445 

Sliale,  gray  

9 

454 

Hand  

10 

464  1 

Hhale,  gray  

8 

472  1 

Coal,  (Lower  Kittanning)  . . . 

4 

476 

1 

Clay  ai]d  lime  

0 

482 

S belle,  gray  

38 

520  j 

466 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOEDS  (WIET^ 


Sand  

.55'  1 

Shale,  black  

.90' 

Coal  

. 5'  1 

Sand,  gray 

. 5'  1 

Shale,  black  

Sand,  gray,  very  hard.  . . 

.28'  1 

. 5'  ^ 

Shale,  black  sand 

.40'  1 

Sand  

. 3' 

Shale,  black 

.59' 

Coal  

. 1' 

Sand,  white  and  pebbly. 

.34' 

Sand,  gray  

Shale  

. 5' 

Big  Lime,  white 

Sand,  Keener  (gas  at  j 

Pottsville  330 


10 

60 


925')  15'  I 

Lime  15'  j 


Sand,  gray,  fine ....  20'  ' 
Shales,  light  sandy.  5' 
Sand,  gray  and  I 
coarse  23'  r 


Sand,  white  and 

pebbly 22' 

Sand,  gray  8' 

Shales,  black 4' 

Sand,  white,  coarse 

and  pebbly 10' 

Sand,  gray  and  soft . 13' 

Shales,  gray  

Shales  


Sand,  gTay,  Berea 


Big  Injun  Sand  135 
‘ 


10 

400 

15 


850 


860 

920 


1055 


1065 

1465 

1480 


William  Dawson  Well,  No.  2. 

Northeast  corner  of  Wirt.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Second  Cow  Run  Sand 1330  to  1430 

Gas  Sand  (gas,  1695') 1690  1720 

Small  show  oil  at 1710 

Salt  Sand  (Oil,  1836  and  1854')  1781  1902 

(Water,  1800') 

(Three-barrel  well.) 


A.  B.  Wilson  Well,  No.  2. 

• Northeast  corner  of  Wirt,  Burning  Springs  district.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Gas  Sand  (strong  gas,  1650') 1560  to  1675 

Salt  Sand  1687  ‘‘  1780 


WEST  VnUUNIA  GEOr.OdICAL  STIKVEY 


467 


First  pay  1740  1750 

Secon(i  pay 1704  1780 

Total  deptli  1795 

(Ten-barrel  well.) 


McConaugliey  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a half  sontliwest  of  Munday  Post  office,  eastern  ed»e 
of  Wirt.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Comx)any. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 

277 

to 

282 

Cave  

427 

i i 

552 

Cow  Run  Sand 

090 

i ( 

705 

Cow  Kim  Sand  

835 

i i 

895 

Sand  (gas,  1040') 

1035 

1 i 

1055 

Salt  Sand  

1100 

( ( 

1150 

Second  Salt  Sand  

1170 

i i 

1185 

Third  Salt  Sand  and  Maxton  (ivater 

and  black  oil,  1455')  

1435 

C ( 

1545 

Pencil  cave  

1545 

( ( 

1560 

Big  Lime 

1560 

( ( 

1678 

Big  Injun  Sand  

1678 

i i 

1708 

Berea  Sand 

2090 

( ( 

2115 

Total  depth  

2205 

Casio  Well. 

No.  1. 

On  Tucker  creek,  4P'  miles  due  west  of  Elizabeth. 

Authority, 

Mr.  Casto. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

i Conductor,  wood  

16 

Fresh  water  at 

20 

Salt  water  at  

363 

Ten-inch  casing 

395 

Pittsburg  Coal? 

64!) 

to 

655 

; Second  Cow  Run  Sand  ((8"  casing,  1020').  1021 

< ( 

1101 

1 ’ Ccial  

1156 

( ( 

1160 

! Sand  

1230 

( ( 

1345 

Top  of  Ibg  Injun  Sand  (ho 

le  full  of 

water)  

1715 

Break’’  

1830 

( ( 

1860 

Sand  ((BA"  easing,  1955') 

1860 

( ( 

1955 

Hard  Lime  

( ( 

2055 

Slate  

2055 

( i 

2240 

Black  chalk  

2240 

t ( 

2265 

Slate  to  bottom  

2265 

( i 

2380  • 

W.  J.  M cPhearson  Well,  No.  1. 


One  mih^  up  Tucker  creek  from  Morris  [b)stofrice,  and  six  miles 
wCkS):  southwest  of  Elizabeth.  Authority,  Carder  Oil  Company. 


488 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (ROANE 


Feet.  Feet. 

Pittsburg  Coal 600  to  603 

Cave  800  1025 

Cow  Run  Sand  (water,  1065') 1025  1085 

Salt  Sand  (water,  1800')  1500  “ 1870 

Big  Lime,  sandy  1870  “ 1920 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  1925') 1920  1960 

Total  depth  2806 

(Dry.) 


E.  J.  Moore  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  corner  AVood,  Wirt  and  Jackson  comities,  and  nine  miles 
west  southwest  of  Elizabeth.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Cave  600  to  825 

Cow  Run  Sand 975  1015 

Salt  Sand  1500  1800 

Big  Lime  1800  1840 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  1840') 1840  1880 

Berea  (shells)  2240  2252 

Gordon  Sand  2600  2608 

Total  depth  2802 

(Dry.) 


The  horizon  of  the  Pittsburg  coal  would  belong  at  about  530 
feet  in  this  well. 

ROANE  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Roane  county  lies  directly  south  from  Wirt  and  extends 
nearly  to  the  Elk  river. 

The  great  Burning  Springs  arch  rapidly  flattens  out  south- 
westward  from  the  Little  Kanawha  river,  so  that  when  it  enters 
Roane  along  the  valley  of  Spring  ci*eek  the  rocks  dip  away  from 
its  crest  gently  (40  to  50  feet  to  the  mile)  northward,  while 
southward  there  is  little  or  no  rever'sul  of  dip,  but  a long  rise  to 
the  south  which  steepens  toward  the  southern  end  of  the  county. 
Hence  geologic  stiaicture  over  a hii'ge  poidion  of  Roaiu'  is  not 
favorable  to  the  existence  of  either  oil  or  gas  in  commercial 
quantity. 

The  southern  portion  of  the  county,  or  rather  that  south 
from  Poca  river,  has  more  relief,  in  the  shape  of  rapid  dips  to 
the  northwest,  and  hence  gives  most  promise  of  future  develop- 
ment. Some  good  (three  to  five  million  feet)  gas  widls  have 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGiCAL  SUUVEY 


already  been  fonnd  in  the  Injun  Sand  on  th(‘  wnters  of  Sandy 
cj'eek  in  southei*n  Roane,  and  now  su[)ply  Chariestori  with  gas. 

Tliis  gas  field  on  Sandy  creek  has  been  developed  by  Mr. 
Fred  l?nul  Grosscni),  Superintendent  of  the  Kanawha  Natural 
Gas,  Light  & Fuel  Company.  The  rock  pressure  is  600  pounds. 
No  regular  detailed  logs  of  the  wells  were  kept,  but  the  gas  sand 
was  struck  at  abcnit  1600  feet  below  the  valley  of  Sandy  creek 
on  the  Lewis  and  Geary  lands.  The  surface  rocks  dip  rapidly 
toward- Walton,  from  the  region  of  the  gas  wells,  and  since  the 
gas  has  an  oily  odor,  there  must  be  an  oil  pool  of  considerable 
size  somewhere  down  the  slope  of  the  strata. 

Some  gas  wells  and  a few  small  oil  wells  have  also  been 
found  ten  to  twelve  miles  southwest  from  Spencer  in  the  Flat 
Fork  i*egion,  and  Spencer  is  supplied  with  gas  from  that  locality. 
The  wells  are  in  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  and  vary  in  size  from  one- 
third  to  three  million  feet.  South  from  Richardson  and  six  to 
seven  miles  east  fi'om  Spencer  some  small  (two  to  ten  barrels)  oil 
wells  have  been  found  in  the  Maxton  Sand  by  the  Carter  Oil 
Company. 

These  thrcH^  developments  are  all  that  Roaue  has  yet  found 
in  the  way  of  gas  and  oil  production.  The  future  should  bring 
other  and  larger  oil  wells,  but  the  search  is  likely  to  i)rove  long 
and  expensive. 

The  following  well  records  will  serve  to  exhibit  the  rock 
succession  in  the  county : 

The  Carter  Oil  Company  drilled  a deep  well  on  the  Goff 
and  Ileck  land,  about  om^  mile  north  from  the  Foltz  pool  of 
Maxton  Sand  oil,  and  thi*ee  to  four  miles  southeast  of  Triplett 
I^ostolfice.  '^riiis  r(‘cord  reads  as  follows,  according  to  Mr.  W.  H. 
Aspinwall,  of  the  Carter  Oil  Company: 


GoU  and  Jleck  Well,  No.  1. 


Thickness.  Depth. 


Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor 


13 


30  43 

61  104 

30  134 

66  200 


Red  rock 


•170  OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  liECOllDS  ^llOANE) 

Slate  and  red  rock  200  400 

Lime  40  440 

Sand  40  480 

Red  rock  20  500 

Lime  30  530 

Red  cave  30  560 

Slate  140  700 

Bi^  red  cave 90  790 

Little  Diinkard  Sand  75  865 

Black  slate  35  900 

White  slate  35  935 

Bii2:  Dunkard  Sand  35  970 

Slate  45  1015 

Gas  Sand 50  1065 

Slate  25  1090 

Sand  50  1140 

Slate  30  1170 

First  Salt  Sand  100  1270 

Slate  10  1280 

Second  Salt  Sand  60  1340 

Slate  80  1420 

Lime  40  1460 

^ ^ ^ 55  1515 

Third  Salt  Sand  (water,  1525';  show  of 

oil,  1695')  198  1713 

Big'  Lime  87  1800 

Big  Injun  Sand 80  1880 

Slate  and  shells  280  2160 

Lime  12  2172 

Slate  and  shells 428  2600 

S.  F.  Foltz  Well,  No.  1. 

About  one  mile  south  of  Golf  and  Heck  well,  and  six  miles  east 
of  Spencer.  Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company.  r 

Feet.  Feet. 

Cave  525  to  875 

Cow  Run  Sand 1020  1050 

Sait  Sand  1605  1720 

Maxton  Sand  (oil)  1760  1786 

Total  depth 1790 

Small  producer  in  Maxton  Sand. 

S.  F.  Foltz  Well,  No.  6. 

Authority,  Carter  Oil  Company. 

Thickness.  Deptii. 

Feet.  Feet. 

First  Cow  Run  Sand  (Mahoning) 75  1120 

Slate  50  1170 


WEST  VIIKUNIA  (IE()E()GT(3AL  SURVEY 


Second  (^)W  Run  Sand 30  1200 

Slate  -L220 

]jiine  1'^  1235 

Sand  45  1280 

Slate,  break  5 12(85 

Sand  87  1372 

Slate  50  1422 

Sand  58  1480 

Slate  40  1520 

Sand  18  1538 

Lime  42  1580 

Slate  70  1650 

Lime  50  1700 

Slate  48  1748 

Sand  (water,  1770  and  1820') 105  1853 

Slate  35  1888 

Lime  38  1926 

l.Tnxvon  Sand  25  1951 


‘ ‘ Maxton  Sand,  g'ood,  but  no  show  of  oil  or  gas.  ’ ’ 
David  Simmons  Well,  No.  1. 

Six  miles  east  from  Spencer.  Authority,  William  Cale. 

Thickness.  Depth. 
Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  16 

Shale  20  36 

Shale,  bine  (water  at  40') 10  46 

Lime  10  56 

Shale,  bine  20  76 

Shale,  red  20  96 

Lime  23  119 

Shale,  red  17  136 

Sand  20  156 

Shale,  bine  10  166 

Shale,  red  65  231 

Tjime  5 236 

Shale,  blue  15  251 

Lime  10  261 

Shale,  blue  16  277 

Sand  41  318 

Shale,  bine  216  534 

Red  rock?  16  550 

Shale,  blue  10  560 

Sand  40  600 

Shale,  bine  15  615 

Sand  16  631 

Slate,  pink,  hard  30  661 

Slate,  blue  5 666 

Sand,  white  15  681 


471 


472 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (KOANE) 


Slate,  white  

Slate,  brown 

Sln  te,  hi  IIP  

10 

20 

34 

691 

711 

745 

Slate,  brown  

98 

843 

Sand  1 

17 

860 

Slate,  bine  

20 

880 

S;ind,  p’vay  

10 

890 

Slate  

5 

895 

Tjime  

15 

910 

Shale,  bine  

12 

922 

Sand  

93 

1015 

Sliale,  black  

70 , 

1085 

Sand,  white  (cased  at  1170')  

140 

1225 

Idme,  black 

5 

1230 

Coal  

3 

1233 

Sand,  black  

15 

1248 

Tiime,  black  

8 

1256 

Sand,  white  

5 

1261 

Lime,  white  

35 

1296 

Sand,  white  

12 

1308 

Slate,  black  

20 

1328 

Lime  

27 

1355 

Sand,  white  

85 

1440 

Slate,  black  

15 

1455 

Lime,  white  

10 

1465 

Sand,  white  

35 

1500 

Sand,  dark  

20 

1520 

Slate  and  shells 

50 

1570 

Lime,  white  

8 

1578 

Sliale,  black  

12 

1590 

Limestone  

15 

1605 

Sand,  white  (Maxton?)  

85 

1690 

Sand,  dark  

3 

1693 

Slate,  brown 

1700 

(Dry.) 

In  the  extreme  eastern  ed^e  of  Roaue,  bordering  on  Clay 
county,  a well  was  drilled  by  the  Elk  River  (3il  & Gas  CompaMy 
on  the  Ta liman  farm,  as  follows: 


P:  A.  Tollman  Well,  No.  1. 

Authority,  E.  M.  Hukill,  President  Elk  River  Oil  & Gas  Com- 
pany. 

Feet.  Feet. 


^and  0 to  60 

Ned  rock  60  560 

Sand  560  580 

Slate  580  585 


WEST  VlllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


475 


First  Cow  Run  Sami  

Slate  670  075 

Sami  680  - 775 

Slate  77r:>  700 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand 790  HOo 

Slate  cS95  ''  1045 

Sand  1045  ‘‘  1085 

Slate  1085  ‘‘  1165 

Sand  1165  1212 

Slate  1212  1335 

Salt  Sand  1335  1640 

Slate  1640  1650 

Little  Lime 1650  1742 

Pencil  cave 1742  1752 

Big  Lime 1752  “ 1837 

Sand  (Big  Injun)  (little  gas) 1837  “ 1838 

Limestone  1838  “ 1904 

Slate  1904  1952 

Conductor  27 


Casing — Ten-inch,  80  feet;  8i/^-ineh,  580  feet;  6%-incli,  1752  feet. 

In  Vol.  I,  pages  264-5,  the  detailed  record  of  a well  at 
Spencer  is  given,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred. 

CLAY  COUNTY  WELL  RLCORDS. 

C'u-.y  county  lies  southeast  from  Roane,  and  extends  east- 
ward into  the  mountain  region  of  the  State,  where,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  writer,  the  chance  of  finding  either  oil  or  gas  in  pajdng 
quantity  without  an  enormous  expenditure  of  money  in  the 
search  are  very  few  indeed. 

A few  wells  have  been  drilled  in  Clay,  however,  and  the 
records  of  two  of  them  follow; 

J.  M.  Gross  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Roane  county  line.  Authority,  E.  M.  Hukill,  President, 
Elk  River  Oil  & Gas  Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  18 

Unrecorded  (10"  casing,  24')  18  to  35 

Lime  35  125 

Sand  125  128 

Coal  128  ''  130 

Lime  130  ''  175 

Sand  175  325 

Slate  325  360 

Lime  360  ‘‘  400 


474 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (CLAY) 


Slate  

. . 400 

(( 

473 

Coal,  Coalburg? 

. . 473 

i i 

477 

lame  (8^"  casing,  490')  

...477 

i i 

490 

Slate  

. . 490 

( 1 

510 

Sand  

. . 510 

( ( 

680 

Slate  

..  680 

< c 

750 

Sand  

...750 

( ( 

860 

Slate  

. . 860 

(( 

870 

Sand  

. . 870 

( ( 

1022 

Slate  

..1022 

( ( 

1040 

Salt  Sand  

. .1040 

( ( 

1150 

Slate  

. .1150 

( i 

1165 

Sand  (bottom  of  Salt  Sand)  . . . 

. .1165 

i i 

1330 

Red  rock  

..1330 

( ( 

1333 

Lime  (6%"  casing,  1355')  

. .1333 

( 1 

1390 

Slate  

. .1390 

i i 

1420 

( Lime  

..105' 

) 

Big  < Slate  (pencil)  

..  5' 

} 1420 

i i 

1640 

( Lime  

..110' 

) 

Sand  (Big  Injnn)  (gas,  1G50') . . 

,.1640 

i 1 

1680 

Slate  

, .1680 

( ( 

1690 

Lime  

..1690 

( i 

1775 

Slate  

..1775 

< ( 

1890 

Lime,  shells  and  slate 

,.1890 

( i 

2340 

Sand  (Gordon?)  

,.2340 

( ( 

2350 

Slate  

,.2350 

( ( 

2422 

Harvey  Sample  Well,  No.  1. 


Elk  river,  half  way  between  Clay  and  Clenclenin.  Authority, 
South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

White  slate  

60 

to 

95 

Coal  (Coalburg?)  

95 

( ( 

100 

Gray  ^sand  

100 

( ( 

150 

White  slate  

150 

( ( 

197 

Coal  

197 

( c 

200 

White  slate 

200 

( ( 

285 

White  sand  

285 

1 1 

350 

Wiiite  slate  

350 

i ( 

357 

Coal  

357 

( ( 

360 

Gray  sand  

360 

( i 

363 

Black  slate  

363 

i ( 

425 

Gray  sand  

425 

( 1 

440 

i 1 

538 

AVhite  sand  

538 

( i 

691 

Black  slate  

691 

C 1 

730 

While  sand 

1 i 

757 

Salt  Sand  

757 

1 1 

1035 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SlIilVEY  47r> 


10.T5 

(C 

1040 

Blnck  lime  

. . . .1040 

i ( 

1050 

White  sand  

....1050 

< ( 

1115 

Red  rock  

. ...ni5 

( i 

1175 

Time  

....1175 

i ( 

1225 

White  sand  

....1225 

( < 

1260 

KSandstoiie  and  lime  

....1260 

( ( 

1300 

White  lime  (Big?)  

. . . .1325 

( ( 

1415 

Big  Injun  Sand  . . .' 

. .. .1415 

( ( 

1507 

Red  rock  

. . . .1507 

( ( 

1548 

Gray  sand 

....1548 

cc 

1555 

Slate,  sand  and  shell  

. . . .1555 

( i 

1840 

Black  slate  

. . . .1840 

( 1 

1890 

White  slate  to  bottom 

. . . .1890 

i i 

2614 

Two  barrels  per  day  from  Big  Injun 

Sand;  well  abandoned. 

It  is  possible  that  the  50  feet  of  ‘‘Lime’’  at  1175  feet  is  the 
Big  Lime  and  that  the  Sand  at  1225  feet  is  the  “Keener”  Sand 
horizon,  the  Big  Injun  Sand  being  split  up  with  limy  deposits. 
It  is  possible  that  i)aying  wells  might  b'^  found  by  more  drilling 
in  this  region.  The  well  begins  a few  feet  below  the  horizon  of 
the  Kanawha  Black  Flint. 

The  Kanawha  formation  extends  to  7d0  feet,  and  the  New 
river  coarse  white  sandstones  begin  there  and  extends  to  1115 
feet. 

The  coal  at  100  feet  is  probably  the  one  mined  at  Clay,  near 
the  Elk  river  level. 

JACKt^ON  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Jackson  county  lies  immediately  west  fi*om  Roane,  and  bor- 
ders the  Ohio  river  on  the  north.  The  roclcs  of  this  ;:rea  are 
nearly  horizontal,  exce])t  for  a.  g(‘ntle  dip  from  the  Ohio  river 
southeastward  into  tba  center  of  a general  syncline,  the  axis  of 
which  passes  northeast  and  southwest  nearly  through  the  center 
of  the  county.  Rontlaaist  of  tliis  axis  (which  is  the  main  trough 
of  the  Appalacbian  basin)  the  rocks  rise  gtmtly  to  the  south- 
east. This  very  simple  gc'ologic  structure  is  ([uite  unfavorable 
for  the  accumulation  of  eitlc'r  oil  or  gas  into  rich  jiools,  and 
hence  when  the  San(h  of  tlui  flaekson  county  r(‘gion  have  been 
penetrated  by  tlu'  drill,  a little  oil,  a little  gas,  and  much  water 
have  been  found  in  every  well,  and  in  n (airly  every  Sand,  but  no 
ot  or  gas  in  commercial  cpiantity,  the  relief  evidently  being  too 


476 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (JACKSON) 


slight  to  permit  the  separation  of  the  three  substances  into  pools 
of  commercial  value.  ITence  the  future  oil  history  of  Jackson 
does  not  look  bright  viewed  either  by  the  result  of  several  tests, 
or  from  a purely  theoretical  standpoint,  although  it  is  possible 
that  future  wells  may  find  better  results  in  some  portion  of  its 
large  untested  area. 

The  record  of  a deep  well  drilled  near  Ravenswood  is  given 
in  Vol.  I,  pages  283-4. 

The  following  well  records  are  from  other  portions  of  the 
county : 


Sandy ville  Well. 

Near  Sandy  ville,  four  miles  west  of  Roane  county  line.  Author- 
ity, A.  E.  Fretts.  / 


Thickness.  Depth. 
Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  20  20 

Unrecorded  396  416 

‘‘Hurry  Up’’  Sand 30  446 

Unrecorded  104  550 

coal,  first  vein....  3'  . 

Pittsburg  Coal  \ slate  40'  r 45  595 

I coal,  second  vein  ( 

^ (Little  Pittsburg)  2' 

Unrecorded  240  835 

Cow  Run  Sand 15  S50 

Unrecorded  125  975 

Sand,  mixed  with  black  slate 

Unrecorded  (cased  in  black  slate  at  1079')  159  1134 

Gas  Sand  (oil  show  at  1146') 33  - 1167 

Unrecorded  333  1500 

Salt  Sand  (large  flow  of  salt  water) 120  1620 

Unrecorded  (cased  6"  at  1647') 30  1650 

“Big  Injun”  Sand  (gas,  watei-  and  a 
little  oil  at  1787  feet) — well  not 
through  “Big  Injun”  Sand  at 137  1787 

Henry  Well. 

Cottageville.  Authority,  Dan  P.  Gist.  (Partial  record.) 

Feet.  Feet, 

Coal  at  77 

First  salt  water 186 

First  Cow  Run  Sand  650 

Second  Cow  Run  Sand,  bottom 971  to  1006 

Thin  coal  1011 


WEST  VIRCxINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


477 


Coal  

1021 

Coal  

1023 

i ( 

1030 

Salt  Sand  

1073 

( i 

1111 

Coal  

1125 

( i 

1126 

Salt  Sand  

1158 

Black  sand  . .' 

1254 

Gray  sand  

1304 

White  lime  (Big)  

1513 

( i 

1613 

Big  Injun  Sand  

1613 

i 1 

1739 

Berea  Grit 

2175 

Augusta  Oil  Company’s  Well. 

In  sontlieast  comer  Jackson,  on  Laurel  run,  southeast  of  Ken- 
tuck  Postoffice.  Authority,  Prof.  John  F.  Carll. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet, 


Unrecorded  ' 280 

• First  sand 65  345 

Slate  72  417 

Sand  (water)  50  467 

Red  rock  123  590 

Sand  25  615 

Red  rock  148  763 

Red  sand 37  800 

White  slate  110  910 

Cow  Run  Sand  (water)  130  1040 

Black  slate  70  1110 

Sand  15  1125 

Slate  40  1165 

White  Sand  (fair  show  of  oil) 60  1225 

Black  slate  25  1250 

Sand  20  1270 

Black  slate  130  1400 

Salt  Sand  270  1670 


‘‘Big  ])ressure  gas  at  1420  feet;  show  of  oil  at  1430  feet.” 

Casing  10-iiich,  315  feet;  ()i4-iiich,  800  feet;  4%-inch,  1330  feet, 
d'hc  Sand  struck  at  1400  feet,  although  holding  much  gas 
and  some  oil,  was  so  filled  with  salt  water  that  neither  oil  nor  gas 
was  available. 


McClain  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Kenna  Postoffic(‘.  Authority,  United  States  Coal  & Oil 
Company. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Gravel  12 

Blue  slate  12  to  40 

Sand,  light  and  water 40  “ 50 


478 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  NECOEDS  (JACI^ON) 


Blue  slate  50  90 

Red  shale  90  148 

Light  slate  148  212 

Shale,  red  and  shelly 212  304 

Light  slate  304  ‘‘  322 

Lime,  dark  and  hard  322  356 

Light  slate  356  366 

Hard  sand 366  388 

Black  slate  388  412 

Light  slate 412  422 

Shale,  red  422  432 

Black  slate  432  440 

Light  lime,  hard  440  458 

Slate,  shelly  458  492 

Slate  and  shells 492  “ 532 

Shale  and  red  cave 532  572 

Lime  and  shells 572  578 

Shale  and  red  cave  578  678 

Light  lime  678  684 

Shale  and  red  cave 684  704 

Blue  sand  704  ‘‘  729 

Dark  lime  729  734 

Slate  734  ''  750 

Light  sand  750  775 

Shale,  light  775  830 

Shale,  red  830  850 

Slate,  white  850  ‘‘  860 

Lime,  dark  860  “ 900 

Sand,  light  (8^/4"  casing) 900  950 

Slate,  white  950  1020 

Sand,  white  1020  1065 

Sand,  light  1065  “ 1100 

Slate,  light  1100  ‘‘  1112 

Light  lime,  hard  1112  1145 

Coal  1145  1150 

Slate  1150  ''  1168 

Lime,  very  hard  and  white 1168  “ 1232 

Black  slate  1232  “ 1254 

Lime,  dark  1254  1312 

Black  slate  1312  “ 1389 

Light  lime  1389  1456 

Salt  Sand  (water,  I486') 1456  “ 1796 

Black  slate  1796  ''  1800 

Cased  bottom  Salt  Sand 1800  “ 181^ 

(Big)  Lime,  yellow  and  hard 1825  2000 

Light  sand,  water.. 100'  . 

(Big  Injun)  ) Soft,  white  sand...  40'  f 

) San  d,  h a r d a n d i 2000  2150 

black  10' 


WEST  VIllGlNIA  GEOLOCriCAL  SURVE^ 


479 


Berea  Grit?  shell  slii;lii,  some  oil 2150  ''  2185 

Dark  lime  2185  - 2215 

Black  slate  2215  2275 

White  slate  2275  ‘‘  2475 

(Dry  hole.) 


44ie  driller  identified  tlie  Sand  at  1456  feet  with  the  ''Big 
Injun,”  hut  the  writer  suggests  that  it  is  the  “Salt  Sand”  or 
Pottsville  formation,  and  that  the  true  “Big  Injun”  Sand  which 
held  some  oil  in  its  basal  portion,  was  struck  at  2,000  feet. 

MASON  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Mason  county  lies  directly  west  from  Jackson,  and  is  bi- 
sected by  the  Great  Kanawha  river,  which  flows  north  through  its 
center. 

Geological  structure  and  conditions  are  very  similar  in 
Mason  to  those  in  Jackson,  and  hence  no  productive  wells  of 
either  gas  or  oil  have  yet  been  found,  although  some  oil  and  gas 
occur  in  every  well  drilled,  along  with  abundance  of  salt  water, 
which  has  long  been  utilized  near  Hartford  on  the  Ohio  river  in 
the  manufacture  of  salt,  the  principal  brines  coming  from  the 
base  of  the  Pottsville  (Salt  Sand),  the  top  of  the  Big  Injun  Sand. 
The  conclusion  is  unavoidable  from  the  results  of  test  wells  and 
the  known  absence  of  prominent  anticlinels  in  Mason,  that  few, 
if  any,  good  pools  of  oil  or  gns  can  exist  within  the  county. 

Several  test  wells  have  been  drilled  near  Letart,  but  none 
got  oil  or  gas  in  paying  (quantity. 

The  following  records  will  illustrate  the  rock  succession  in 
Mason : 

Sterling  Oil  Company's  Well,  No.  10. 

Near  Letart.  Authority,  Dan  P.  Gist. 


Thickness. 

D('i)th. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Drift  

:io 

Sand  

20 

40 

fled  rocdc  

GO 

100 

White  and  red  mud 

85 

185 

White  sand  

5 

190 

Red  rock  

115 

305 

White  sand  

313 

Dark  slate  

330 

480 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (MASON) 


Trace  coal  (Pittsburg)  

. . . . 10 

340 

Light  sandy  shale  

. . . . 25 

365 

Light  shale  

. . . . 40 

405 

Black  shale  

. . . . 20 

425 

Red  rock 

. ...  191 

616 

Gray  slate 

. . . . 39 

655 

Red  rock  

. . . . 35 

690 

Hard  black  sand  (1st  Cow  Run) 

. . . . 12 

712 

Flinty  slate  

. . . . 20 

722 

Gray  sand  

....  3 

725 

Soft,  vvdiite  sand  

15 

740 

Blue  shale 

. . . . 15 

755 

White  sand  (salt  water)  

805 

Blue  shale 

. . . . 10 

815 

Brown  and  blue  shale 

. . . . 25 

840 

Soft  white  sand  

. . . . 85 

925 

Blue  shale  

. . . . 20 

945 

White  sand  (gas  and  salt  water) .... 

. . . . 50 

995 

Blue  shale  

. . . . 30 

1025 

Blue  sand  - 

. . . . 15 

1040 

Limestone  

. . . . 20 

1060 

Gray  sand 

. . . . 37 

1097 

Gray  slate  

. . . . 8 

1105 

Black  and  gray  slate  

. . . . 30 

1135 

White  sand  (salt  water  and  gas) .... 

. . . . 35 

1170 

Blue  shale  

. . . . 45 

1215 

Black  shale 

. . . . 40 

1255 

Gray  slate  

. . . . 30 

1285 

Soft,  gray  sand  

. . . . 20 

1305 

Black  and  blue  shale  

, ...  145 

1450 

Sandy  shale  

.. . . 5 

1455 

Black  slate  

. . . . 15 

1470 

White  sand  (salt  water  and  gas) .... 

. . . . 60 

1530 

Big  Lime  

. . . . 60 

1590 

Hard  sand  and  gray  ") 

4' 

10' 

21' 


r Big  Injun 


263 


slate  4' 

Limestone 10' 

Gray  sand  and  lime.  24' 

Black  slate  

Sand  

Blue  sandy  shale  . . . 

Black  slate  4' 

Sand  with  salt  water  12' 

Blue,  sandy  shale  . . . 15'  j 
Gray  sand  with  salt  | 
water  159'  J 

Blue  slate  258 

Black  slate  13 


1353 


2111 

2124 


WEST  VIKCxTNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


481 


Gray  sand  with  salt  water  (Berea) 15  2139 

C.  S.  Matson  Well,  No.  /. 

Two  miles  from  Point  Pleasant.  Authority,  Prof.  John  F.  Carll. 

Thickness,  Depth, 

Feet.  Feet. 

Surface  21 

Sand  79  100 

Slate,  broken  166  266 

’ Cow  Rim  Sand  (oil,  gas  and  much  water)  10  276 

Break  54  330 

Dunkard  Sand  (water)  75  405 

' Slate  195  600 

Coal  8 60S 

Slate  1 609 

Sand  and  slate  (salt  water,  710') 126  735  ' 

Salt  Sand  (water,  strong  brine) 30  765 

Sandstone  and  shells  200  965 

Big  Lime  100  1065 

Slate  2 1067 

' Keener  Sand  20  1087 

' Slate  20  1107 

I Big  Injun  Sand  (water,  little  oil) 238  1345 

Slate  295  1640 

Berea  Grit,  good  sand 30  1670 

Slate  to  bottom  7 1677 

Casing — Thirteen-inch,  21  feet;  10-inch,  100  feet;  SLi-inch,  510 
feet;  6)4-inch,  720  feet;  4%-inch,  1320  feet. 

Beech  Jlill  Well. 

One  mile  south  of  Brighton  Postoftice,  and  seven  miles  south- 
east of  ]b)int  Pleasant.  Authority,  I^rof.  John  F.  Carll. 

1 :i  Thickness.  Depth. 

' Feet.  Feet. 

Slate  and  sand  to  703 

Slate  24  727 

Salt  Sand  67  794 

Shale  116  910 

Salt  Sand  94  1004 

I White  sand  86  1090 

Big  Lime  125  1215 

Slate  100  1315 

' Sand  45'  , 

Slate  90'  f 

\ Sand  and  shale  75'  ( Big  Injun  235  1550 

] Oil  sand  (show  of  gajg)  25' 

\ Slate  265  1815 

{ Saiid^  Porea,  hard  (show  of  oil) 25  1840 


<182 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (PUTNAM) 


Slate  to  l)oit()in  560  '2400 

Eii^'lit  and  one-foiirili-iiieli  casini>',  170  feet;  GVi-inch  casing,  680 
feet;  4%-iiicli  casing,  1580  feet. 

PUTNAM  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

county  lies  directly  south  from  IMason,  and  it  is 
also  bisected  by  the  Great  Kanawha  river.  In  its  northern  half, 
geological  stroctui’e  and  conditions  are  very  similar  to  those 
in  Mason,  and  hence  no  oil  or  gas  in  paying  quantity  has  been 
found,  although  several  test  wtdls  have  been  drilled.  The  south- 
ern j)ortion  of  the  county,  however,  extends  southward  to  where 
the  dip  of  the  rocks  begins  to  steepen  (pite  rapidly,  and  hence 
in  the  i)oi‘ti()n  of  the  county  south  from  the  C.  & 0.  R.  R,  there 
is  some  chance  for  oil  and  gas,  so  far  as  geological  structure  is 
concerned,  ddie  succession  of  the  strata  in  Putnam  is  shown  by 
the  following  records  of  wells  drilled  in  the  different  parts  of 
the  county: 

Hurricane  Oil  Company’s  Well. 

One  mile  south  of  Winfield.  Authoidty,  Prof.  John  P.  Carll. 

Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 


LTnrecorded  1667  1667 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water) 95  1762 

Slate  and  shell 372  2134 

Berea  Grit  (smell  of  oil) 22  2156 

Unrecorded  to  bottom  447  2603 


Cargill  Well. 

Two  miles  south  of  Winfield.  A.  T.  597'.  Authority,  Jerome  T. 
Boyer. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Salt  Sand,  top  1127 

Big  Lime,  top 1421 

White  Sand  (Big  Injnn) 1628  to  1789 

Lime  ^...' 1915 

Slate  2115 

Sand  (Berea)  2117  ‘‘  2271 

Sand  2291 

Slate  2348 

Sand  (Gordon?)  2385 

Slate  2405 

Slate  and  shells 2585 

Total  deidh  2603 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAI.  SURVEY 


'18?. 


Red  Home  Well 


Tlireo  miles  north  oT  Red  House,  on  l!>eegnm  l)i*aneh  of  Ruffnlo 
creek.  Authority,  Auji'usta  Oil  Company. 


Thickness. 

Feet. 


Unrocoi'ded  

.^alt  Sand  2d0 

31ack  slate  10 

vVliiie  Ijiine  (t>ig) 1711 

Black  slate  27 


l)ei)th. 

Feet. 

1380 

IGIO 

1G2( 

1793 

182C 


Sand  (salt  water  at 

{ 18.30')  50'  I 

Big  Tnjnn  i Black  slate  5'  i 75  1895 

MVhite  sand  20'  ^ ; 

Small  show  of  oil 1875 

Casing — Ten-inch,  145  feet;  8f4-iach,  475  feet ; Gi/4-ineh,  998  feet; 
4%-in(  h,  1875. 

T.  M.  llarhour  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  Hurricane,  in  Teays  Valley.  Authority,  Judsge  T.  H.  Har- 
vey, President  PTurricane  Oil  & Development  Company. 


Feet.  Feet. 

Gravel  and  quicksand 8 

Slate  and  red  rock  55 

Sand  G5 

Cave,  rock  and  slate 290 

Cow  Run  Sand  325 

Slate  545 

Sand  (2d  Cow  Rim)  water  at GOO  to  705 

Coal 708 

Slate  725 

Sand  (gas  and  water)  1025 

Slate  1045 

Gas  Sand  (water)  1245 

Slate  12G0 

Salt  Sand  (water)  1 1G5 

Big  Lime  1578  1G()3 

Keener  Sand  1()03 

Tdme  1700 

Big  Injun  Sand  (cased,  1828') 1800 

Pinie  formation  and  slate  1800  ‘‘  2198 


Berea  Sand  22  feet  thick;  gas  and  oil  neilhei’  in  [laying  (luantities. 

CARRLL  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 


Cabell  county  lies  west  from  Putnam  and  the  southern  jioint 
of  Mason.  Jt  also  borders  the  Ohio  river,  and  hence  its  northern 
Jralf  has  th(*  same  geological  structure  as  Mason,  in  which  no 


484 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  ^ CABELL) 


paying  oil  or  gns  wells  have  yet  been  found.  In  the  southern 
portion  of  the  county,  however,  rapid  dips  set  in,  and  the  rocks 
acquire  considerable  relief. 

A small  but  rich  pool  of  oil  was  opened  in  October,  1903,  by 
a well  on  the  E.  W.  Beckett  farm,  two  miles  and  a half  south- 
east from  Milton.  This  original  well  of  the  Milton  field  is  lo- 
cated in  the  valley  of  Charley  creek,  a tributary  of  Mud  river.  It 
was  dialled  by  the  Cabell  Oil  & Gas  Company,  and  the  record  of 
the  well  reads  as  follows,  according  to  Mr.  C.  F.  Cole,  President, 
AValton  Oil  & Gas  Company,  who  has  kindly  furnished  the 
Survey  much  valuable  information: 

E.  W.  Beckett  Well,  No.  1. 

Well  mouth  602  feet  above  tide. 

Thickness  Depth 
Feet.  Feet. 


Sand,  clay  and  gravel  to 50 

Red  rock  30  80 

Slate  and  fireclay SO  160 

Blossom  coal 160 

Slate  20  180 

White  sand,  show  oil  and  water 12  192 

Slate  68  260 

Sand,  making  two  bailers  of  oil  per  hour 

(Dnnkard)  8 268 

Slate 42  310 

Sand,  with  water 20  330 

Slate  45  375 

Sand,  with  show  of  green  oil  and  water  to 

Bottom 45  420 

Slate  55  475 

Coal  7 482 

Sand,  with  gas;  water  in  bottom 18  500 

Slate ^ 144  644 

Sand,  sliowing  black  oil  30  674 

Bime 16  690 

Slate 39  729 

Coal  3 731  (?) 

Sand,  sliowing  lilack  oil  and  gas 18  749 

Slate  ^ 51  800 

Sand 37  837 

Slate  8 845 

Sand  7 852 

i^hite  54  906 

l^and  54  960 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


485 


Lime  

...  70 

1030 

Sand,  showing  black  oil,  water,  25' 

in 

sand 

..(157) 

1157 

. . . 2 

1159 

Sand,  with  water 

Lime  (Big)  

. ..  103 

1262 

. ..  115 

1378 

Sand  (“Beckett  SS”)  white,  with 

oil 

and  gas,  hole  filled  1200'  in  2 hrs; 

Oil 

Sand  

. . . 15 

1393 

Lime  and  sand  to  bottom 

1400 

Lime,  slate  and  shale  to  bottom 

. ..  41 

1441 

‘‘Two  liuiidred  and  forty-seven  bari*els  tirst  24  hours.  Making  50 
to  60  barrels  yet’’  (June  8,  1904). 

The  Sands  with  oil  at  180  to  420  feet  in  this  well  represent 
the  Mahoning,  or  Diinkarcl  Sands  of  the  northern  portion  of 
the  State,  and  the  great  sandstone  bluffs  at  Charleston,  Kanawha 
county.  The  oil  at  260  feet  is  of  46°  gravity,  and  a l)eautifui 
reddish  amber  in  color. 

T.  J.  Berkeley  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  southeast  of  Milton,  Cabell  county,  and  one-fourth 
mile  northeast  of  Beckett  well.  No.  1.  Authority,  C.  F.  Cole. 
Drilled  l)y  IMcCoach  Oil  Company.  Well  mouth  818  feet  above 
tide. 


Thickness  Depth 
Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  16  16 

Slate  10  26 

Snnd  10  36 

Red  rock,  slate,  etc 320  356 

Sand  (10"  casing)  10  366 

Slate  60  426 

Sand  10  436 

Slato  ‘24  4G0 

Sand  (Cow  Knn)  show  oil  and  gas 40  500 

Slate  40  540 

Uniecorded  120  660 

Coal 3 (563 

Lime  and  slate 40  703 

Sand  80  783 

Slnte,  lime,  etc 265  1048 

32  1080 

Sand,  water,  1114' 80  *1160 

Cinie  70  1230 

Black  sand  60  1290 

Salt  Sand  156  1446 


48G 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECOKDS  (CABELL) 


Sandy  lime  and  j^ebbles  easing) ....  44  1490 

Lime,  white  and  bard 102  1592 

65'  in  lime  a little  gas  and  very  small 
pebl)les.  , 

Sand  12  1604 

Still  sand  and  all  looks  alike  without  a 
break.  Most  gas  about  lO'in. 

Bottom 1619 

Pay  at  1595. 


‘‘This  well  came  in,  December,  1903,  and  has  produced  over  10,000 
barrels.  Made  over  2,000  barrels  Ln-  January,  1904.  Casing  collapsed 
in  sluxding,  but  the  well  was  finally  opened  np  again  June  7,  1904, 
when  it  made  50  to  60  bari'els  daily.” 

There  has  been  mnch  discussion  among  the  oil  fraternity  as 
to  whether  the  oil  horizon  of  these  wells  is  in  what  corresponds 
to  the  Keener  Sand  (top  of  the  ^‘Big  Injun”)  or  really  in  the 
” Big  Lime”  entirely  above  the  Keener  division  of  the  Injun.  It 
will  be  remembered  that  the  entire  Big  Injun  formation  is  often 
invaded  by  limy  beds,  and  hence  it  is  most  probable  that  the 
Beckett,  Berkeley  and  other  wells  in  the  Milton  field  get  their  oil 
from  what  coT'responds  to  the  Keener”  Sand  of  Tyler,  and  the 
top  of  the  Big  Injun  in  Marion  and  Monongalia.  True,  the  oil 
is  dark  in  color,  and  the  gravity  only  4014  to  41°,  but  all  oils  in 
limy  beds  are  dark  in  color  and  not  high  in  gravity. 

a.  E.  Burns  Well  No.  1. 

Three-eighths  of  a mile  southwest  of  E.  W.  Beckett  well.  No.  1. 
Drilled  by  Charley  Creek  Oil  & Gas  Company.  Authority,  C.  F. 
Cole.  Well  mouth  649  feet  above  tide. 

Thickness  Depth 
Feet.  Feet. 


Clay  30  30 

Sand 57  87 

Slate  53  140 

Sand,  with  oil 10  15() 

Slate  and  fireclay 58  208 

Sand  12  226 

Slate  15  235 

Lime  10  245 

Slafe  45  290 

Sand  (oil  and  salt  water) 18  308 

Slate  72  380 

Coal  3 383 

Sand,  salt  water  102  485 


WEST  VIUGTNTA  GEOLOGICAL 

SURVEY 

487 

Sljite  

0 

404 

Coal  

3 

497 

Slate  

. . 16 

513 

Sand,  water  to  dilll 

. . 27 

540 

Slate  

. . 15 

555 

Sami  

. . 31 

586 

Slate  

..  2 

588 

Sand,  with  water 

. . 28 

606 

Slate  and  shale 

. . 100 

715 

Slate  

. . 20 

735 

Sand  

. . 40 

775 

Slate  

. . 25 

800 

Sand  with  water 

. . 70 

870 

Slate,  black 

. . 46 

016 

Sand  with  little  gas 

o 

918 

Sand  with  heavy  gas 

Gas  at  018'. 

. . 17 

935 

Mak(!S  2,300,000  ('uhic  feet  daily.  Gas  is 

utilized  for 

lease  work. 

Well  drilled  no  deeper.’’ 

The  gas  sand  in  this  well  rs  the  one  struck  in  the  E.  W. 
Beckett  well,  No.  1,  at  906  feet,  and  is  evidently  a portion  of  the 
Pottsville  formation. 

' Blake  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  and  one-half  miles  north  60°  east  of  Milton,  Cabell  county, 
on  branch  of  Kilgore  creek.  Drilled  by  Teays  Valley  Oil  and  Gas 
Company.  Anthority,  C.  F.  Cole.  Well  mouth  620  feet  above 
tide. 

Thickness  Depth 
Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  20  20 

Blue  and  gritty  30  50 

Red  rock  30  80 

Slate  and  shell 75  155 

Sand  40  195 

Slate,  lime  and  shells 85  270 

Sand  (10"  casing,  280') 10  280 

Slate  40  320 

Sand,  with  water  20  340 

Slate  35  375 

' Slate  and  shells 25  400 

Sand,  with  show  of  oil 20  420 

Slate  25  445 

Sand,  with  watei* 55  500 

Slate  and  shell 35  535 

Sand,  more  water  100  725 

Slate  (8"  easing,  735') 9 734 


488 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  (CABELL) 


Sand  286  1020 

Coal  fr  of  slate  above  and  below) 2 + 5 1027  (?) 

Sand,  with  water 223  1250 

Slate  and  lime  with  shells  (cased  at  1260')  70  1320 

Soft  lime,  black  and  yellow 61  1381 

^^Tliis  well  was  drilled  to  2300  feet,  and  is  dry  in  all  sands.” 

Walton  Well,  No.  1. 

'Ibreo  miles  east  of  Milton,  and  one-half  mile  northwest  of  Cul- 
loden.  Anthoi-ity,  C.  F.  Cole,  President  and  General  Manager  of 
the  Walton  Oil  & Gas  Company.  Well  month  729  feet  above  tide. 

Feet. 

f'ondnctor  12 

Clay  72 

Sand  70  (?) 

Black  slate 95 

Bed  rock 210 

Sand  235 

Slate  and  red  rock 313 

Sand  346 

Slate  370 

Sand  400 

Slate 405 

Lime  413 

Slate  430 

Shale  447 

Sand 465 

Slate  545 

Sand,  with  water 615 

Slate 630 

Sand  655 

Slate 670 

Sand,  more  water 795 

Slate 820 

Sand,  with  gas  850 

Shale .' 900 

Sand  930 

Coal  934 

Shale  1000 

Shale,  little  water 10(55 

Sand,  with  gas  3'  in 1343 

Black  sand,  with  streak  lime 1390 

Black  slate 1430 

;Sand  .\l400 

Tof)  Big  Ijime  1460 

(las  at 1520 

Little  water  under  gas. 

First  show  oil 


1577 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


489 


Second  show  oil  

Bottom  Lime 

Slate  and  shale 

To])  Bi.u'  Injnn  Sand 

Water  

Bottom  of  Big'  Tnjiin  Sand  . . . . 

Slate  and  shell  to 

Dark  gray  sand 

Black  gray  sand  

Slate  and  sand 

Slate 

Soft  black  shale  

Top  of  Berea 

Gas  8'  in  Berea 

Slate  and  Berea 

Slate  and  shell  to  bottom 

‘‘Fair  gas  well  in  Berea.” 


1597 

i(m 

1G()5 

1G85 

1G98 

1770 

1900 

1970 

2030 

2140 

2175 

2180 

28'  2188  to  2208 

2238 


J.  A.  Reese  Well,  No.  1. 

One  mile  and  a (luarter  southeast  of  Llilton,  and  the  same  dis- 
tance northwest  of  E.  W.  Beckett  well,  No.  1.  Drilled  by  Va- 
Ken-0  Oil  & Gas  Co.  Authority,  C.  F.  Cole.  Well  mouth  630 


feet  above  tide. 

Thickness  De])th 
Feet.  Feet. 

Soil 4 4 

Sand,  hard 96  100 

Slate  15  115 

Red  rock  (10"  casing,  143') 28  143 

Blue  slate  14  157 

Lime  shells  12  1G9 

Red  rock  10  179 

Lime  shells  10  189 

Lime,  hard  10  199 

Slate 7 20G 

Lime,  shell  4 210 

Lime,  shell,  broken  10  220 

Lime,  hard  10  230 

Slate,  blue 12  242 

Lime  5 247 

Sand 12  259 

Sand 12  271 

Slate,  red  6 277 

Shale,  white  G 283 

Sand,  white  and  hard 15  298 

Red  shale  7 305 

Lime,  shells iQ  315 


4.90 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS  (CABELL) 


White  sandy  shale  29  344 

White  slate 30  374 

JBliie  slate  10  384 

Lime  14  308 

Sandstone,  broken 12  410 

Slate  40  450 

White  sandstone,  top  pebbly 45  495 

(Traces  of  water  at  bottom.) 

Sand,  gray  (8iy4"  casing) 8 503 

Slate  15  518 

Slate  24  542 

White  sand  ; 40  582 

Slate  white  and  black 44  620 

Coal  G 632 

White  sand,  water  enough  to  drill  with.  . 26  658 

Black  slate  40  698 

Sand,  gray  65  763 

Sand  white,  water,  10  bailers  per  hour..  48  811 

Black  slate  76  887 

Sand,  white  40  927 

Black  slate  12  939 

Sand,  white  35  974 

Lime  6 980 

Sand,  white  10  990 

Black  slate  15  1005 

Sandy  shale  10  1015 

Lime  shells  7 1022 

Black  slate  40  1062 

White  sand  full  of  water.  . . .92'  " 

Black  slate  3' 

Vfliite  sand  60' 


]jimy  shells 83'  ^ Sand 


Lime,  flinty  20'  | ^ 

White  sand  63'  J 

Sand,  black  hard  and  limy 100  1493 

Big  Lime,  white 16  1509 

Strong  flo\/ of  gas 151  L 

Bottom  of  Big  Lime  155(5 

Wliite  sandy  grit  40  159(5 

White  slate  . 15  161  ^ 

Black  slate  10  l(>2i 

Cray  Pebbly  Sand  (whei'e  Keener  should 

’be)  3(5  1657 

Black  slate  24  1(581 

Big  Injun  Sand  (show  of  oil  169(5';  hole 

filled  with  watei- 1707') 95  1776 

Black  slate  8 1784 

White  Sand  (Probably  Squaw) 5 1789 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


491 


lllaek  slate  100  1898 

White  sand  9 1907 

Black  slate 293  2200 

Ikn-ea  Sand  (How  of  <2;as  on  top) 23  2223 

Bottom  of  hole.  . . . 3 2220 


‘‘This  has  been  a volume  of  800,000  cnbie  feet  per  day  from 
the  Berea  Sand,  with  a rocdv  pressure  of  GOO  {bounds  per  square 
inch.  ” 


W.  W.  Conno7‘  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  and  one-half  miles  southeast  of  Milton,  on  the  west  bank  of 


Charley  creek.  Drilled  by  the  Cabell 

Oil  & 

Gas 

Company. 

Authority,  11.  M.  Stanbery,  Chief  Engineer,  Carter  Oil  Com- 
pany. Well  mouth  585  feet  above  tide. 

Feet.’  Feet. 

Conductor  93 

Slate  

. . . . 93 

to 

9(i 

Sand  (show  of  oil)  

....  9G 

i i 

971/2 

Slate  

....  971/2“ 

lOG 

Coal  

....  lOG 

i i 

110 

Slate  

....  110 

i ( 

IGO 

Sand  (])ebbles,  show  oil) 

....  IGO 

i i 

1G2 

Slate  

Sand  (11  liny  Up,  Upper  and  Lower 

. . . . 1G2 

1 i 

350 

honing.  First  Cow  Run) 

.350 

( ( 

45G 

Cr:w  Sand  

....  15G 

1 ( 

532 

Sand  

....  532 

( 1 

GOG 

Slate  

i i 

GIO 

Coal  

i ( 

G18 

Cray  Sand,  very  hard  (2d  Cow  Run) . 

....  G18 

i ( 

750 

Sand  (water,  790') 

750 

i i 

800 

Cray  Sand,  hard  (gas)  

i i 

8,50 

Sand  (salt  water)  

i i 

10,50 

* Slate  

( ( 

1055 

Coal  and  slate  

. . . .10,55 

( ( 

1075 

Lime  

( i 

1105 

Hard,  white  sand 

....1105 

1 ( 

1250 

Slate  

. . . . 1250 

( ( 

12G0 

Big  Lime  

i 1 

1.380 

Sand  (Keener,  show  of  oil) 

. . . . 1380 

c c 

1415 

Cray  shale  

....1415 

i ( 

1513 

Sand  (Big  Injnn)  (gas) 

i i 

1G21 

Slate  .• 

i ( 

2025 

Sand  (l>erea)  gas 

( ( 

20521/2 

Slate  and  shells  to  bottom 

. . . .20.521/2“ 

277(i 

G IS  well  in  Bei-ea;  capacity,  750,000  cubic  fe 

et. 

The  record 

of  this  same  well  given  by  Mr.  Joseph  Touner,  the  driller,  is 


492 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOIIDS  (CABELL) 


slightly  different  from  Mr.  Stanbery’s,  as  shown  by  the  fol- 
lowing : 


W.  W.  Connor  Well,  No.  1. 
Authority,  Joseph  Tonner. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Sand  ^ 

244 

to 

350 

Unrecorded  

350 

( t 

458 

Sand  

458 

( ( 

532 

Unrecorded  

532 

a 

700 

Sand  

700 

( i 

750 

Unrecorded  (water,  790')  

750 

( ( 

800 

Gray  sand  (gas) 

......  800 

i ( 

850 

White  sand  (water)  

850 

(( 

1050 

Unrecorded  

1050 

C i 

1215 

Lime  (show  oil  and  gas,  1380') .... 

1215 

( ( 

1415 

Unrecorded  

1415 

i i 

1507 

Big  Injnn  (show  oil  and  gas)  

1507 

( { 

1615 

Unrecorded  

1615 

( ( 

2020 

Berea  Grit  (gas)  

2020 

( i 

2048 

Sliells  and  slate 

2048 

i i 

2780 

(Good  gas  well  from  Berea.) 


W.  W.  Connor  Well,  No.  2. 

Two  and  three-fonrths  miles  southeast  of  Milton,  near  mouth  of 
Charley  creek.  Drilled  by  the  Cabell  Oil  & Gas  Company.  Au- 
thority, Jos(^ph  Touner.  Well  mouth  595  feet  above  tide. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

White  sand  (show  of  gas  and  oil) . . . 

....  300 

to 

330 

LTnrecorded  

....  330 

i ( 

360 

Sand  (water)  

. ...  360 

ic 

440 

Black  sand  

. ...  440 

( ( 

455 

Unrecorded  

. ...  455 

( c 

600 

White  sand 

. ...  600 

( i 

650 

Unrecorded  

....  650 

1 c 

720 

Wliite  sand  

. ...  720 

i ( 

760 

Unrecorded  

. ...  760 

( { 

925 

Wliite  sand  

. ...  925 

( ( 

1125 

I’ehble  sand  (sliow  oil  and  gas) 

....1100 

( ( 

1130  (?) 

White  sand  (water)  

....1170 

( ( 

1270 

Unrecorded  

....1270 

c c 

1315 

Big  Lime  (show  oil  and  gas) 

....1315 

i ( 

1403 

Unrecorded  ^ 

. . . .1403 

( ( 

1550 

Big  Injun  Sand  (water  to  drill).... 

....1550 

1 ( 

1640 

Slate  and  shells  

. . . .1640 

( { 

2050 

Berea  Grit  (good  gas) 

. . . .2050 

( ( 

2080 

Slate  and  shells  

. . . .2080 

( ( 

2150 

WEST  VIEGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUEVEY 


493 


J.  D.  Carter  Well,  No.  1. 

Near  IMiltoji.  Drilled  by  the  Cabell  Oil  & Gas  Company.  Author- 
ity, Joseph  Touiier,  per  W.  II.  Aspinwall,  of  Sistersville.  Well 
mouth  601  feet  above  tide. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Gravel,  slate  and  sand 

0 

to 

655 

Coal  blossom  

. . 655 

( ( 

655 

Slate  and  sand 

. . 655 

{ ( 

717 

Coal  

. . 717 

( 1 

720 

White  sand  

. . 720 

( i 

746 

Black  slate  

. . 746 

i ( 

754 

Shells,  slate  and  sand  

. . 754 

( ( 

835 

Slate  

. . 835 

( ( 

872 

Sand  (gas)  

. . 872 

( ( 

882 

Red  ? rock 

. . 882 

( ( 

892 

Sand  (water  902') 

. . 892 

( i 

1013 

Slate  and  shells 

. .1013 

i ( 

1031 

Lime  

. .1031 

( 4 

1120 

Slate  

..1120 

( ( 

1132 

Sand  (water,  1167')  

. .1132 

( ( 

1245 

Slate  

..1245 

i ( 

1250 

Big  Lime  (show  of  oil  and  gas,  1350'  and 

1400'  

. .1250 

( ( 

1425 

Slate  

..1425 

( i 

1462 

i Sand  33' 

'I 

Big  Injun  } Slate  25' 

[ 1462‘ 

( 

1610 

1 Sand  (water,  1525').. 90' 

Slate  and  shells 

. .1610 

( ( 

2050 

Berea  Grit  (gas)  

. .2050 

( ( 

2090 

Slate  to  Ijottom  

. .2090 

( i 

2125 

Henry  Gerlock  Well,  No.  1. 

Two  miles  due  south  from  Milton,  on  Mud  river.  Drilled  by  the 
Triple  State  Oil  & Gas  Comi)any,  in  January,  1897.  Authority, 
H.  M.  Stanbery.  Well  month  590  feet  above  tide. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Conductor  ()  to  30 

Blue  sand  30  70 

Black  slate  70  100 

Red  sand  (10"  casing) 100  125 

Granite  (D  125  ‘‘  145 

Blue  slate  145  195 

Red  slate  195  240 

Slate  and  shells 240  “ 265 

Slate  and  shells  (60'  and  5') 265  ‘‘  330 

Slate  330  340 


194 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOEDS  (CABELL) 


White  sand  (show  of  oil  and  water) 340 


idate  300 

diells  400 

V^hite  sand  ((S"  easing’;  water,  405') 420  “ 

Back  slate  503 

>rown  sand  508  “ 

.date  540 

.Vhite  sand  505  “ 

date  625 

.date  043 

Goal  (water)  708 

White  slate  714 

dme  and  sand  734  ‘‘ 

Slate  759 

lard  white  sand  (water)  799 

Hack,  soft  sand  884 

White,  hard  sand  896  “ 

Slack  sand  951  “ 

White  hard  Sand  (oil  and  water 971  to 

iSlack  sand 1100 

White  sand  1108 

White  slate  (6)4"  casing) 1153  “ 

Shells  and  sand 1238 

White  Sand  (water  1284') 1270  “ 

Big  Lime  (show  of  oil  1484') 1284 

.Slate 1500  “ 

Sand  (show  of  oil  1595') 15(50  “ 

Slate  to  bottom 1653  “ 


360 

40( 

42( 

503 

50.*^' 

54( 

565 

025 

041 

70,'- 

71^ 

73- 

75t 

795 

884 

89(. 

951 

971 

1100 

1108 

1153 

1238 

1270 

128-:- 

1500 

1500 

165:i 

1600 


Frentel  ivell,  No.  1. 

Three  and  three-fonrth  miles  sonth  30°  east  of  Milton,  on  branch 
of  Little  Two  Mile  creek.  Drilled  by  (Elkton)  Oil  Company. 
Authority,  C.  F.  Cole.  NleW  mouth  039  feet  above  tide. 


a:  uul.  jl’  L'ui  . 

Slate,  shells  and  sand 927  to  927 

Sand  (shoAving  for  3-harrel  oil) 8 ‘‘  935 

Slate  ‘ 40  ‘‘  975 

Salt  Sand  with  15'  break  of  slate 347  1322 

Big  Lime  175  ‘‘  1497 

Slate  73  “ 1570 

Big  Injun  Sand 80  “ 1650 

Slate  and  shells 439  2089 

Bei-ea  Sand  (gas) 20  2109 

^0,000,000  cubic  feet  daily.’’ 


Near  Central  City,  below  iruntington,  a well  was  drilled  by 
a local  coni])any  for  gas  in  1897.  44ic  well  is  located  about  one- 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


405 


fourth  iiiilo  soutli  from  the  C.  & O.  depot,  on  ttie  llisey  iork  ol 
Four  *ole,  and  stei’ts  nhout  ‘UO  feet  below  the  horizon  of  the 
Pittsburg  coal,  which  here  caps  the  tops  of  the  liighest  hills  bach 
from  t le  immediate  valley  of  the  Ohio.  The  record  was  furnislied 
by  Judgo  T.  H.  llai'vey,  of  Huntingdon,  one  of  the  members  of 
the  cojtipany  which  drilled  the  well,  and  it  reads  as  follows: 

Central  City  Well. 

On  llisey  fork  of  Four  Pole  creek,  about  one-fourth  mile  back  of 
C.  & C.  depot.  Central  City.  Authority,  Judge  T.  II.  Harvey. 


Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor  (clay  and  quicksand) 

26 

to 

26 

Shale,  sand  and  lime  (10"  inch  casing  61 

feet)  

94 

i ( 

120 

bimestone  (fresh  water  rose  90  feet) .... 

7 

i i 

127 

Slate,  with  veins  of  lire  clay 

98 

i ( 

225 

bind,  fine  (Upper  Mahoning,  Dunkard) . . 

25 

( ( 

250 

Slate  

50 

( ( 

300 

Sand,  gas  (Lower  Mahoning) 

30 

( ( 

330 

Black  slate  (Upper  Freeport  coal  horizon) 

10 

i i 

340 

Sand,  gray  

60 

i i 

400 

Slate,  black  

10 

( i 

410 

Sand,  gray  

85 

i 1 

495 

rdate,  white  and  blue 

25 

1 i 

520 

Sand  and  limestone 

20 

( ( 

540 

Slate  (cased  8"  at  547') 

20 

i ( 

560 

Slate,  black  

175 

( ( 

735 

Sand,  gray  

25 

( ( 

760 

Slate,  black,  lilue  (coal  2 feet) 

105 

( ( 

865 

Sand,  gas,  and  strong  How  of  salt  water.  . 

30 

t i 

895 

Sand,  black 

10 

( ( 

905 

Slate,  black  

30 

( ( 

935 

Limestone  

5 

C ( 

940 

Slate,  black 

30 

i i 

970 

Limestone,  (Mountain,  6f4''  casing  987') . 

150 

i ( 

1120 

Slate  

28 

1 1 

1 148 

Sand,  dark  gray  “(Big  Injun”,)  some 

salt  water  

177 

i ( 

1325 

Shales  and  slate,  black 

370 

( ( 

1695 

Limestone  oi-  hard  sand 

10 

( ( 

1705 

Slate,  lirown  

25 

i ( 

1730 

Sand  Berea  “sail  and  pepjier”  (oil  and 

gas)  

25 

(.  i 

1755 

Slate,  1)1  ack 

10 

i ( 

1765 

Sand,  hard,  gray 

5 

i i 

1770 

Limestone  

5 

i i 

1775 

496 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECORDS  WAYNE) 


Sand,  gray  10  1785 

Limestone  3 1788 

Slate,  black  2 ‘‘  1790 

Limestone,  bastard  1 1794 

Shale,  black  20  1814 

Sand,  (fine,  black,  powdery) 97  1911 

Shales  and  slates,  black,  blue  and  white. . 574  2485 

Limestone,  bastard  (gas) 15  ‘‘  2500 

Shale  250  2750 

Sand,  gray  10  2760 

Oorniferous  limestone,  very  hard 10  “ 2770 


11  ere  the  interval  between  the  Berea  Sand  and  the  Cornif- 
erous  Limestone  foots  up  only  1005  feet,  while  in  the  Bedell  well 
near  Pittsburg  the  rocks  were  penetrated  to  4010  feet  below  the 
same  sand  without  reaching  the  Oorniferous  horizon. 

WAYNE  COUNTY  WELL  RECORDS. 

Wayne  county  lies  next  west  from  Cabell,  and  like  the  latter 
borders  the  Ohio  river,  and  hence  its  geological  structure  in  the 
western  portion  is  unfavorable  for  either  oil  or  gas,  as  several 
test  wells  have  proven.  The  county  extends  southward,  how- 
ever, along  the  Big  Sandy  river  nearly  to  Warfield,  where  a great 
anticlinal  axis  crosses  the  river  from  Kentucky,  and  passes  north- 
eastward toward  the  (treat  Kanawha  above  Charleston. 

Some  large  gas  wells  have  been  found  near  this  AVarfield 
anticlinal,  and  hence  there  are  both  oil  am’  gas  j^ossibilities  in 
the  southern  half  of  Wayne  county,  n^idged  solely  by  the  relief 
of  the  beds.  The  gas  at  AA^arfield  comes  at  the  same  horizon  as 
the  oil  near  Milton,  in  Cabell  county,  and  the  numerous  records 
given  for  that  region  will  serve  as  a type  of  the  nuderground  suc- 
cession in  Wayne,  as  well  as  Boone,  Lincoln,  Logan  and  Mingo 
counties,  in  all  of  which  gas  can  ])e  found  in  paying  (juantity, 
and  possibly  oil,  but  it  may  rt‘quire  the  drilling  of  many  wells  to 
develoj)  the  latter,  since  tbe  pools  will  be  of  small  area,  and 
hence  easily  missed. 

4die  geological  succession  in  southern  Wayne,  Mingo  and 
Lincoln  counties  is  illustI•^^ted  l)y  well  records  published  in  Vol. 
I,  pages  276-280,  while  that  of  northern  Wayiu'  is  givcm  by  the 
Central  City  well  in  Cabell,  and  the  following  I’ccord  of  a well 


WEST  VIIK^TNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


497 


just  aci'oss  tlu'  Sandy  riven*  in  Kentucky,  and  two  miles 
south  from  the  Ohio  river: 

Brown  Well. 


On  Catletts  creelc,  one  mile  and  a half  south  of  Catlettsburg, 
Kentucky.  Authority,  Judge  T.  II.  Harvey,  Huntington,  W.  Va. 


IF 


! 


Thickness. 

DepMi. 

Feet 

Feet. 

Clay  and  quicksand 

36 

Sand  

104 

140 

Fireclay  and  slate 

100 

240 

Sand,  gray. 

30 

270 

Shale  

150 

420 

Salt  Sand  . 

150 

570 

Limeston,  cave  (‘‘pencil”) 

at  650' 

280 

850 

f black  sand. . . 

..lOO'd 

Big  Injun  Sand  white 

sand. 

salt  ! 

] water.  . 

...15' i 

150 

1000 

i black  sand  . . . 

...35'  ] 

Shale,  brown 

i,  show  of  oil.  . 

320 

1329 

coar-se,  gi'ay 

sand. 

show  ^ 

of  oil  

. ..  .7' 

hard  shell... 

. ...1' 

bottom  shell.. 

, . . .3' 

Berea  Grit  ) 

open,  gray  sand,  show  of  I 

1 

oil  

...10'  1 

51 

1380 

close,  gray 

sand. 

show 

of  oil 

. . .16' 

coarse,  gray 

sand. 

show 

I 

. of  oil '.  . 

...14'  j 

Blrck  slate  

Sand,  brown  

Itrown  slate  and  salid 

Slate,  black  •• 

Shale,  wliite  

Shdls  and  shale 

Slrdls  and  shale 

Sand,  gas  (Itayai'd?) 

Slate,  i)lack  

Sand,  black, 

Black  sand  and  slate. 

Slate,  bine  

Slate,  light  blue 

Slate,  brown 

Slate,  black 

Sand,  black,  gas 

Sand,  black,  gas 

Black  slate  to  bottom 


45 

1425 

15 

1440 

5 

1445 

135 

1580 

Kt 

1620 

180 

1800 

50 

1850 

5 

1855 

10 

1865 

15 

1880 

3 

1883 

4 

1887 

8 

1805 

7 

1002 

60 

1971 

5 

1976 

4 

1080 

152 

2132 

408 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECORDS  WAYNES 


Tlie  Sand  with  ^as  at  1850  feet  would  come  near  the  Bayard 
horizon  of  Marion  and  Monongalia,  while  that  at  1971  feet  being 
only  400  f(‘et  above  the  Corniferous  Limestone  (see  Central  City 
well  in  Cabell  county)  may  represent  any  horizon  from  the 
Speech  ley  Sand  to  the  Bradford.. 

Another  well  drilled  on  the  Big  Sandy  at  the  mouth  of 
Blaine  creek,  five  miles  below  Tjouisa,  and  nearly  opposite  Hub- 
bardstown,  in  Wayne  county,  will  illustrate  the  succession  across 
the  centi*al  belt  of  Wayne  as  follows: 

Rig  don  Well,  No.  2. 


On  Big  Sandy  river,  near 

the  mouth  of  Blaine  crec 

k,  Kentucky. 

Authority,  F.  II.  Oliphant. 

Thickness. 

Depth. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Drift,  or  surface  soil . 

15 

15 

Fireclav 

5 

20 

Sauflstone,  dark  blue,  , 

15 

35 

Slate,  gray 

5 

40 

Sandstone,  wlhte  . . . . , 

20 

60 

Slate,  black  

5 

65 

Sandstone,  dark  

30 

'95 

Slate,  black 

50 

145 

Coal  

4 

149 

Fireclav 

; 7 

156 

Sandstone,  white  .... 

45 

201 

Sandstone,  dark  grav. 

10 

211 

Sandstone,  white 

10 

221 

Slate,  black  

236 

Sandstone,  dark  

25 

261 

Slate,  black  

10 

271 

Coal  

3 

274 

Slate  

27 

301 

Sandstone,  gray  

•.  0 

307 

Slate,  black  

24 

331 

Sandstone,  gray  

25 

520 

Coal .’ 

7 

362 

Filed  av 

3 

365 

Sandstone,  gray  

70 

435 

Slate,  gray  

00 

495 

Sandstone,  grav 

25 

355 

Slate,  black  

00 

5S0 

Sandstone,  white 

25 

605 

Slate,  black  

5 

()10 

. Sandstone,  white 

20 

630 

Sandstone,  dark  gray. 

25 

055 

WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


490 


^ Slate,  2:ray  

' Sandstone,  black  

Slate,  gray  20  /lO 

Sandstone,  dark  e:ray 40  7o0 

Sandstone,  white,  salt  water 100  SoO 

Sandstone,  dark  bine 

Slate,  black  40  870 

Sandstone,  white,  base  Pottsville 00  900 

Slate,  black  25  9(S5 

Sandstone  and  shells 10  005 

Sandstone,  hard,  bine 30  1025 

Big-  Lime — • 440  W'5 

-Q.  X . ( sand,  white,  salt  Avater  5'  ) 

) Sand,  white  and  shells  20'  > 100  1265 

i Sand,  greenish  gray.... 75'  ; 

Slate,  green  65  1330 

Slate,  bluish  gray 375  1705 

Slate,  black.. 27  1732 

Gas  Sand,  fair  flow  of  gas  (Berea  Grit) . . 60  1702 

Shale,  black  to  bottom 53  1815 

This  well  begins  50  to  100  feet  ])elow  the  l)ase  of  the  Coue- 
maugh  formation. 

In  northern  Boone  covnty,  near  Bacine,  and  ten  miles  west 
from  the  Great  Kanawha  river,  a gas  pool  has  been  developed  at 
the  same  horizon  in  the  Lownn*  Cai'boniferons  oi*  Mississi})pian 
formation  that  holds  the  oil  in  Cabell,  as  may  be  observcal  from 
the  following  record : 


Workman  Well,  No.  1. 

Racine  district.  Authority,  South  Penn  Oil  Company. 


Gravel 

Feet. 

Peel. 

35 

Sand  

50 

to 

80 

Slate  

80 

( ( 

105 

Sand  

105 

( ( 

305 

Coal  (81/4  Casing) 

i ( 

30!) 

Sand  

300 

( ( 

370 

Slate 

370 

i ( 

385 

Sand 

385 

( ( 

405 

Slate 

405 

1 ( 

415 

Sand 

415 

( ( 

435 

i ( 

445 

Sand 

445 

i i 

585 

Slate  

585 

( i 

630 

Sand 

030 

1 ( 

700 

Lime,  shell  etc 

700 

i ( 

800 

500 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS  ; KANAWHA) 


Sand  and  lime 

...  890 

i ( 

970 

Red  rock 

...  970 

( ( 

990 

White  slate 

...  990 

( i 

1006 

Hard  Sand  ( Maxton  U 

. . .1006 

(( 

1125 

Big  Lime  (eased  614^') 

...1125 

i ( 

1160 

(Big)  Lime  and  (Big  Injun  Sand)... 

. . .1160 

i i 

1390 

Bed  rock 

..  1390 

i i 

1401 

Total  depth 

1401 

^‘Little  Sand  1356';  sliow  oil;  filled  iqj  20  feet.” 

The  red  rock  at  970  feet  is  an  important  geological  marker, 
since  it  sets  off  the  Pottsville  beds  above  from  the  IMississippian 
below. 

KAN  AW  II A COUNTY  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  first 
locality  in  the  United  States  to  inaugurate  the  use  of  Natural 
Gas  for  manufacturing  purposes  (see  Historical  sketch  in  this 
Volume,  Chap.  I).  The  gas  pool  along  the  crest  of  the  Brownstown 
anticlinal,  nine  miles  south  from  Charleston  is  practically  ex- 
hausted, however,  since  gas  from  the  same  horizon  as  that  indi- 
cated in  the  Racine  pool  of  Boone  county,  viz : the  Big  Injun 
Sand,  has  been  flowing  to  the  surface  for  65  years  or  more 
through  wells  drilled  for  salt  water.  The  underground  rock 
succession  of  this  region  around  Brownstown  is  given  in  Vol.  I, 
page  272. 

A test  well  was  drilled  for  oil  and  gas  on  the  Kanawha  river 
bottom,  about  five  miles  below  Charleston  and  one  mile  below 
Lock  No.  L.  It  begins  near  the  middle  of  the  Conemaugh  forma- 
tion, and  the  record  runs  as  follows,  acocrding  to  J.  W.  Penhale 
of  Charleston : 


Thickness. 

Dei^th. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Condnctor  

45 

45 

Sandstone 

405  - 

450 

Coal 

5 

455 

Sant  stone 

35 

490 

Slate  and  shale 

220 

710 

Sandstone 

10 

720 

SI  a tv  and  shale 

40 

760 

Sandstone  

50 

810 

Shale 

10 

820 

Lime 

35 

855 

Sandstone  

45 

900 

Coal 

3 

903 

WEST  VriKIlNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUJiVEY 


501 


Sandstone 

Shale  

. 7 

. 35 

910 

945 

Sandstone  (Potisville) 

Big  Lime  ( Lime 

213'  ) 

. 480 

1425 

and  \ Slate  and  shale 

25'  i 

288 

1710 

Big  Ininn  i Sandstone 

47'  ) 

Shale.' 

. 425 

2185 

Shells  and  shale 

. 115 

2250 

Shale 

. 145 

2395 

Sandstone 

. 5 

2400 

Shale  to  bottom 

. 208 

2608 

The  succession  at  Charleston 

is  given  by  the 

following  rec- 

ord,  for  which  Hon.  W.  S.  Edwards  of  that  city  stands  sponsor: 
Well  at  Charleston,  Kanawha  County. 


Thickness. 

Depth. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Conductor 

28 

28 

Unknown 

12 

40 

Shale 

34 

74 

Coal 

Sandstone 

76 

150 

42 

192 

Coal 

Shale  and  sandstone 

68 

260 

Limestone 

20 

280 

Sandstone 

60 

340 

Shale 

60 

4t)0 

Sandstone 

70 

470 

Coal 

Unknown 

20 

4!)0 

Shale 

20 

510 

Sandstone 

50 

560 

Shale 

30 

5t)0 

Sandstone 

355 

f)45 

Unknown 

55 

loot) 

Sandstone 

1170 

Shale 

1180 

[ Limestone 

. . .Ky  1 

Big  Ijitne  j Sandstone 

. . .60'  1 

and  ^ Limestone 

..  200' 

1515 

Big  Injnn  j Unknown 

. . .25'  1 

i Sandstone,  pebbly.  . 

. ..4t)'  I 

Sandstone,  i-ed 

1600 

Sandstone,  shelly  and  slaty 

1612 

Sandstone 

80 

1692 

Shale  to  bottoni 

1840 

<’.1  VF/l'Tt':  COUNTY  lies  wist 

from  Kaiiawha 

,,  and  ther( 

fore  witliin  Uie  zone  of  the  greatly  thickened  Kanawha  and  New 


502 


OIL  and  gas  well  KECOKDS  ^FAYETTE) 


River  foi'inatioiiK,  so  that  neither  oil  nor  gas  has  been  found  in 
the  tvo  or  thn'e  l)orings  made  within  its  borders.  The  chances 
that  they  will  be  found  are  very  few,  since  the  southeastward  rise 
of  the  sti*ata  is  even  more  than  offset  by  the  thickening  of  the 
measures,  since  the  record  of  a well  drilled  at  Powellton  found 
the  top  of  the  Big  Lime  at  1620  feet,  650  feet  below  tide,  while  in 
the  Edwai-ds  well  at  Chai'leston,  25  miles  northwest  the  top  of 
(he  Big  Lime  is  only  580  feet  below  tide,  or  practically  level  be- 
tween the  two  ])oints,  while  the  Kanawha  Black  Flint  which  is 
only  550  feet  al)ove  tide  at  Charleston  rises  to  1840  feet  above 
at  Powellton,  tlius  showing  that  the  dip  of  the  surface  beds  in 
the  Fayette  county  region  is  no  index  to  the  structure  of  the 
deeply  buried  and  unconformable  (to  the  Coal  Measures)  oil  sand 
de]^osits.  Hence,  from  data  of  this  kind,  we  learn  that  the  Big 
Lime,  mid  underlying  Big  Injun  Sand  together  with  whatever  of 
the  Venango  Oil  Sand  Group  may  be  represented,  are  practically 
horizontal  over  a wide  belt  of  country,  extending  from  the  lati- 
tude of  Charleston  southeastward  to  the  limit  of  the  New  River- 
Poeahontas  coal  field  or  Great  Flat  Top  Mountain,  and  therefore 
could  not  be  expected  to  hold  pools  of  either  oil  or  gas  in  paying 
(luantity,  the  necessary  relief  structure  being  absent  from  these 
oil-beaiing  beds. 

Powellton  Well. 

“Top  of  well  970  feet  below  Black  Flint  and  300  Diet  below 
[Jpi)er  Clarion  Coal.  Estimated  to  be  83  feet  above  top  of  No. 
XII  measures.”  Authority,  D.  T.  Evans. 

Feet.  Feet. 


Shale 0 to  48 

Gray  sandstone 48  ‘‘  66 

Shale 66  67 

Gi'ay  sandstone 67  “ 81 

Slate 81  . 8;i 

White  sand 83  278 

Coal 278  280 

Sandstone 280  280 

Shale 289  294 

White  hai-d  sandstone 294  “ 305 

Sliale 305  345 

Shale 345  “ 610 

Black  shale,  limy 610  628 


WEST  VllUilNlA  GEOLOGICAL  SUltVEY 


(ii'av  lime 

028 

( i 

(532 

Hull'  eolored  and  saiidv  lime 

()32 

( ( 

(535 

Sandstone 

035 

i ( 

(538 

White  sandv  lime 

(538 

i ( 

(581 

Hlacdv  slate 

(581 

( ( 

(584 

Limestone 

084 

i ( 

707 

Sandstone,  white  and  pebbly 

707 

1 c 

800 

Black  slate  and  shale 

800 

( ( 

850 

Shale  and  sandv  lime 

850 

i ( 

850 

Shale 

85(5 

( ( 

8(52 

Lime  and  slate 

802 

i ( 

885 

l^ebbly  sand,  with  j^as 

885 

i ( 

895 

Clayey  shale 

895 

( i 

904 

Lime 

904 

( ( 

917 

Clayey  shale  

917 

i ( 

1020 

Brown  shale 

1020 

( ( 

1035 

Lime 

1035 

i ( 

1008 

lied  roc'k  and  lime  shell 

10(58 

( ( 

12(50 

Lime  shell  and  slate 

1200 

i i 

1275 

Red  rock 

1275 

i i 

1325 

Lime,  with  shale  pebbles 

1325 

i ( 

1345 

Lime 

1345 

( ( 

13(50 

Red  rock 

13(50 

i t 

1408 

Lime  shell 

1408 

i i 

1415 

Red  j'ock,  limy 

1415 

i i 

1475 

Slate 

1475 

( < 

149(5 

Sandstone 

1490 

i ( 

1530 

Sandstone,  hard  blacdv  and  white.. 

1530 

i ( 

1552 

Slate  and  lime  shells 

( ( 

1(503 

White  limestone 

1(503 

( ( 

1(50(5 

Dark  limestone 

1(50(5 

i i 

1(515 

Slate,  pejK'il  cave 

1(515 

t i 

1(520 

lame,  solid  (top  oh  Big'  Ijirne) 

1020 

i i 

1(580 

Slate  

i i 

1883 

Cray  liiiie 

1883 

( i 

1925 

Mot  t hid  linui 

1925 

1<)38 

Black  shale,  limy 

1938 

“ 

1942 

Clay  lime 

1942 

( i 

195(5 

Led  sandy  shale  with  various 

colored 

jiebbles,  (to])  of  Big  Injun)., 

195(5 

i i 

1905 

Line,  hard,  dark  sand 

19(55 

i ( 

1970 

Sandy  shale  gradually  growing  into  very 

tine  hard  sand 

1970 

( ( 

2050 

(L'ay  rotten  water  sand,  coarse 

o|)en 

grained  and  pebbly 

2050 

( ( 

20(57 

Shale  gi'adnally  gi'owing  to  hard 

impure 

limestone 

2007 

( { 

2140 

Slate  and  shale 

2140 

1 1 

2895 

504 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOllDS  (FAYETTE) 


Two  or  tliree  test  wells  have  been  bored  in  Summers  County, 
which  lies  still  south  of  Fayette,  and  extends  nearly  to  the  Vir- 
ginia line,  but  only  traces  of  oil  and  gas  were  found.  One  of 
these  wells  was  bored  at  Crumps  Bottom,  near  the  southern  end 
of  Summers,  and  its  record  is  as  follows ; 

Crumps  Bottom  Well. 

Ci*umps  Bottom,  Summers  county.  Authority,  Charles  H.  Mel- 


lon, Philadelphia,  Pa.  Thickness.  Depth. 

Feet.  Feet. 

Unrecorded 95  95 

Shale,  gray,  limy 15  110 

Shale,  gHBy  limy 15  125 

Sandstone,  gray,  pebbly 75  200 

Shale,  red 100  300 

Sand,  dark,  gray 60  360 

Dark  sandy  beds 290  050 

Bluish-gray,  limy  beds 50  .700 

Sandstone,  greenish-gTay 190  S90 

Shale,  red,  sandy 30  920 

Limestone,  gray 18  938 

Limestone,  dark 7 945 

Limestone,  dark,  slaty 195  1140 

Limestone,  dark  gray,  slaty 15  1]  55 

inmestone,  dark  gray 170  1325 

Shale,  red 65  1390 


f Limestone,  dark  gray . . 435'  ] 

, Limestone,  light  gray. . 65'  | 

Big  Lime  Limestone,  dark  gray . . 95'  945  2335 

I Limestone,  light  gray..  5'  \ 

[ Limestone,  steel  gray.  .345'  J 


i Shale,  red  sandy  60'  ^ 

‘‘Keener”  j Shale,  gray  sandy  15'  : 127  2462 

( Sandy  beds,  purple  52'  ' 
/Sandstone,  grayish- 
white  8' 


Shell,  with  gas  (little). 22' 
Sandstone,  dark-gray  . .18' 


Sandstone,  gray  15' 

I Sandstone,  hard,  brown.  .10' 

! Sandstone,  hard  dark 

Big  Injun  ' brown  15'  | 163 

Sandstone,  hard  dark 

shelly  5' 

i Sliale,  dark,  sandy  ....15' 
j Sand,  shells,  quartz  and 

, pebbles 20' 

Gtfay  sandy  beds 10' 

\Gray  sandy  beds 25'/ 


2625 

( 


i 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


r.()5 


Sltales,  sandy,  dark  i^ray dO  2085 

Sandstone,  dark,  slialy,  witli  coal  streaks  9 2(i!)4 

Sandy  beds,  dark  slialy 11  2705 

Sliale,  gray  sandy 15  2720 

Sandstone,  gray,  slialy 20  2740 

Sandstone,  gray,  slialy 15  2755 

Shale  dark,  gray  sandy 45  2800 

Green  sandy  beds 25  2825 

Sandy  beds,  dark  gray 20  2845 

Sandstone,  gray,  hard.  15  28(50 

Sandstone,  dark  gray 40  2900 

Sandstone,  gray isli -white 25  2925 

Sandstone,  grayish 20  2945 

Sandstone,  white,  mixed  with  dark  slate.  . 10  2955 

Sandstone,  grayish-white,  mixed  with 

dark  slate 20  2975 

Slate,  dark,  with  sandstone 25  3000 


The  elevation  of  the  surface  where  the  Crumps  Bottom  well 
begins  is  about  1500  feet  above  tide,  so  that  the  top  of  the  Big 
Lime  is  here  only  (1500'— 1390')  110  feet  above  that  datum, 
while  it  is  1000  to  1200  feet  up  to  the  base  of  the  Pottsville  in  the 
summits  of  the  mountains,  and  then  2500  J'eet  higher  to  the  plane 
of  the  Black  Flint,  so  that  if  the  latter  FU’atum  were  jnesent  at 
Crumps  Bottom,  the  mountain  in  which  it  could  be  found  would 
have  a height  of  (1500-[-1100-{-2500 1=5100  feet  above  s<‘a  level, 
or  to  put  the  case  in  other  words,  while  the  Ivaiiawha  Black  Flint 
bed  h}is  risen  from  550  feet  above  'fide  at  Charleston  to  5100  feet 
above  tide  at  Crumps  Bottxmi,  the  ‘‘Big  Lime,”  or  main  mnss  of 
the  Creenbrier  LiuH'stone  1ms  only  risen  from  580  feet  below  tide 
to  110  feet  nbove,  oi*  say  700  f('et  in  all  in  a distance  of  70  odd 
miles,  atid  Ihe  most  of  the  elevation  has  probably  taken  ])lace 
within  the  last  bai  iniles  since  Ci'umps  Bottom  is  close  to  the 
great  folds  of  the  Alleghany  Mountain  ujilift. 

Even  Green  brier  Co  until  has  been  perforated  for  oil.  Tlie 
Big  Injun  8and  crop/s  to  the  surface  along  the  Greenbrier  river 
at  Rommverte  wluu'e  its  top  is  70  to  100  feet  above  tlu*  water, 
and  above  it  conies  the  gi'eat  mass  of  the  Greonbriei*  Limestone 
(Big  Lime)  many  hundreds  of  feet  in  thickness.  Some  dark 
heavy  oil,  probably  escaped  from  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  was  C(^- 
lected  from  the  dam  of  one  of  the  lumber  companies  a few  years 


50G 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  IIECOKDS 


ago,  and  this  led  to  the  drilling  of  a test  well  at  Ronceverte,  but 
of  course  nothing  of  value  was  discovered. 

The  Oil  and  Gas  Horizons  of  West  Virginia. 

From  these  numerous  well  records  given  over  a large  region 
of  the  State  as  well  as  the  running  commentary  thereon,  it  will 
be  peiceived  that  there  are  several  well  defined  oil  and  gas  hori- 
zons between  the  Permian  rocks  at  the  toj)  of  the  Carboniferous, 
and  the  Corniferons  Limestone  at  the  base  of  the  Devonian  beds. 
These  may  be  grouped  together  and  classified  as  follows,  in  de- 


scending order,  together  with  the 

occur : 

No.  XV,  Upper  Coal  Measures,  i, 
Monongahela  Formation.  ) 

No.  XTV,  Barren  Measures,  i 
Conemaugh  Formation.  | 

No.  XIII,  Lower  Coal  Measures  c 
Allegheny  Formation.  ^ 

No.  XII  Pottsville  Conglomerate  [ 
beds,  I 

New  River  and  Pocahontas  J 
Coal  Series.  | 

L 

No.  XI,  Mauch  Chunk  Red  Shale  ! 

No.  XI,  Mountain  or  Greenbrier  \ 
Limestone.  J 


No.  X,  Pocono  Sandstone. 


No.  IX,  Catskill  Red  Reds, 

Upper  Devonian  Series,  Ven-  i 
an^o  Oil  Sand  Group.  1 


1 

L 


geological  series  in  which  they 

Carroll  Sand. 

Mounds ville  ( Morgantown ) . 
First  Cow  Run  Sand,  Upper 
and  Lower  Dunkard  Sands. 
Second  Cow  Run  Sand, 

'‘Gas”  Sand  of  Marion  and 
Monongalia  Counties. 

“Gas”  Sand  of  Cairo, 

‘‘Salt  Sand”, 

Cairo? 

Maxton,  Cairo? 

No  oil  or  gas  horizons  except 
as  part  of  the  ‘‘Big  Injun” 
below  unless  the  Beckett  Sand 
of  Milton  field  should  belong 
here. 

‘‘Keener”  Sand, 

‘‘Big  Injun”  Sand, 

‘‘Squaw”  Sand. 

Gantz  Sand  (Berea  Grit), 
Fifty-Foot  Sand, 

Thirty-Foot  Sand, 

‘‘Stray”  Sand, 

CampbelTs  Run  ‘‘Gordon” 

Sand, 

W hetstone  Run  ‘ ‘ Gordon  ’ ' 

Sand, 

Flat  Run  ‘‘Gordon”  or  Fourth 
Sand, 

McDonald  or  Fifth  Sand, 
Bayard  or  Sixth  Sand. 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


50, 


No  well  defined  oil  or  gas  hor- 
izons yet  discovered  in  these 
rocks  in  West  Virginia. 

Warren,  Tiona,  Epeechley,  Ball- 
town,  Sheffield  and  Bradforc. 
Sands  of  Pennsylvania  sup- 
posed to  belong  in  upper  por- 
tion. 

Tlie  Bajjm-d  (Sixth.)  Sand  is  then  the  lowest  known  oil  and 
g-as  bearino-  rock  yet  discoveretl  in  West  Virginia.  Whether  any 
of  the  rocks  ])elow  it  will  ever  produce  oil  or  gas  in  profitable 
quantity  within  the  State  is  a problem  for  future  operators  to 
determine. 

Ill  the  adjoining  State  (Ohio),  about  300  miles  distant  from 
the  West  Virginia  boi'der,  the  Trenton  Limestone  of  the  Lower 
Silurian,  has  pi-ovcai  very  rich  in  both  oil  and  gas,  while  in  the 
Sugar  Grove  region  of  Ohio,  only  60  miles  north  from  the  West 
Virginia  line  on  the  Ohio  river,  the  Medina  or  Clinton  beds  of 
the  Upper  Silurian  have  yielded  a wondeidul  sn])ply  of  high  pres- 
sure natural  gas  to  the  cities  of  Colum  Zanesville,  Logan, 
Lane;  'er,  Nellsonville,  Toledo,  etc.  In  New  York,  Dr.  O’Ton  re- 
I)orts  Liie  finding  of  very  high  pressiu'c  gas  welV  in  the  Potsdmn 
Sandstone,  at  the  veiy  base  of  the  Palaeozoic  colwmn,  and  only  a 
few  feet  above  the  pr-imitive  granite. 

It  was  foruKO'ly  sup})os(ul  that  no  oil  or  gas  in  coimnercial 
quantity  would  b(‘  found  in  rocks  below  the  Catskill  series  of  the 
Devonia n , but  as  that  belied  has  now  been  comphdely  oveo'thrown 
by  the  re^sults  of  the*  drill,  and  as  both  theory  (anticlimd)  and 
facts  of  th(‘  prese'iit,  unite  in  pi-oving  that  the  only  conditions 
necessaiy  foi-  tlu'  accumulation  of  la  rye  (inantities  of  gas  or  oil, 
are  porous,  stratified  roedcs,  Ihrown  into  wave's  erf  (‘ernsidei'able 
bat  not  terer  violent  I'eiief,  with  a curvei*  sufficie'iitly  impe'rmeable 
to  preve'iit  e'scajre*,  thei'e  remains  ner  serunel  I'e'asern  why  there  may 
nert  be  other  eril  anel  gas  I'e'servoii's  uneler  the'  surface  erf  West  Vir- 
ginia, far  belerw  the'  Sixth,  eri'  Payard  Sand. 

It  is  true  that  except  in  ther  seruth-we‘ster*n  paid  of  the  State, 
say  frerm  the  Little  Kanawha  river,  westward,  it  would  pi'obably 
be  imperssible  at  the  present  stage  of  the  deep  drilling  art,  to 


No.  VIII,  Chemung,  Hamilton  | 
and  Corniferous  Beds,  Middle  ! 
Devonian. 


508 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  KECOKDS 


reach  any  of  these  horizons  even  in  the  Upper  Silurian,  (Medina) 
but  this  may  be  possilhe,  and  even  profitable  some  time  in  the 
futui'e.  To  reaeli  the  Medina  horizon,  anywhere  in  the  iMononga- 
lia,  Marion,  Wetzel,  Tyler  or  Doddridge  county  oil  fields,  would 
require  a boring  probably  not  less  than  a mile  and  a 
half  in  depth,  and  the  Trenton  horizon  would  then  be 
possibly  a half  mile  farther  below.  But  in  the  re- 
gion of  Huntington,  the  Corniferous  Limestone  which 
lies  GOO  to  800  feet  above  the  Medina,  was  struck  only  at 
2760  feet,  and  hence  in  that  portion  of  the  State  where  the  Cats- 
kill,  Chemung  and  Hamilton  heels  have  thinned  away  so  greatly, 
it  will  be  quite  easy  to  bore  to  the  Medina  gas  horizon,  and  even 
possible  to  reach  the  Trenton,  though  owing  to  the  absence  of  the 
propiM*  relief  of  structural  features,  it  is  doubtful  if  either  would 
be  found  gas  or  oil  bearing  in  that  region. 

As  stated  on  a preceding  page,  the  mountain  regions  of  the 
State  have  not  been  properly  tested  for  the  presence  of  gas  or  oil, 
since  from  the  great  size  of  the  anticlinal  arches  in  those  regions, 
and  the  necessary  f]*acturing,  and  fissuring  of  the  rocks  resulting 
from  these  steeply  folded  strata,  any  borings  must  necessarily  go 
to  a g]'eat  depth  (5,000  to  10,000  feet)  in  order  to  give  a fair  test 
under  such  conditions. 

^ \ on  the  theory  of  the  origin  of  natural  gas  and  i)etroleuin 
from  buried  organisms  (both  animals  and  ])lants,)  and  there  are 
but  f(‘w  geologists  who  advocate  any  other,  it  would  aj)])ear  en- 
tirely reasonable  to  believe  that  enough  organic  matter  fas  been 
entoii:!)ed  in  any  of  the  earth’s  stratified,  or  sedimentary  beds,  to 
furnish  large  supplies  of  the  hydro-carbon  compounds,  in  'the 
form  nf  either  oil  or  gas,  or  both,  provided  the  small  (piantiti(‘S 
of  ea<‘h  in  any  of  such  strata,  can  find  a porous  reservoir  in  which 
to  coll(‘ct,  and  a geological  struelure  (the  roclp  disturbed  by  an- 
ticlinal  u'aves,  or  rapid  and  irregular  dips)  favorable  to  the  seg- 
regaf  ion  and  jireservation  of  the  sam(\  Of  course  if  flie  cocks  be 
highly  contorted,  fracfni’ed,  fault(‘d,  or  too  greatly  disturbed,  all 
of  these  li(|uid  or  volatile  hydro-carbons  within  reach  of  ordi- 
nary drilling  oiierations  will  have  escaped  fi*oni  the  strata  and  it 
will  jnove  useless  to  explore  for  them,  even  in  sedimentary  beds, 


WEST  VIKGTNrA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


500 


and  it  without  sayinj^-  tliat  no  storos  oi'  eithor  oil  or  gas  need 
be  lookcnl  Tor  in  crystalline  or  inetaniorpliic  rocks  of  any  descrip- 
tion, such  as  granites,  syenites,  scliists,  etc. 

Ckaracler  (Did  Quality  of  West  Virginia  Petroleum. 

All  ot  the  oil  produced  in  the  State  belongs  to  the  highest 
grade  and  (piality  of  Pennsylvania  petroleum  of  the  “white 
sand”  type.  It  has  a p.‘iraffine  base  instead  of  asphalt  as  in 
Eussian  and  most  foreign  oils,  as  well  as  in  that  from  California, 
Y7yoming,  Colorado,  Texas,  and  all  regions  yielding  petroleum 
from  rocks  of  recent  geological  age,  since  the  paraffine  oils  appear 
to  be  confined  almost  exclusively  to  rocks  of  the  Palaeozoic  or  Mes- 
ozoic Era.  , 

The  color  of  the  West  Virginia  petroleum  ranges  from  al- 
most black  through  all  shades  of  green  and  amber  up  to  a nearly 
trans})a rent  fluid  with  only  a tinge  of  yellow,  ^^kile  the  gi'avity 
varies  from  28°  TL,  a good  (luality  of  lubricating  oil,  occurring 
in  the  ‘CSalt  Sand”  of  the  Volcano  region,  Ritchie  county,  at  a 
sliallow  d('])th,  to  W/-2°  B.,  the  lightest  gravity  petroleum  known 
in  the  Avorld,  found  in  the  Eirst  Cow  Run  Sand,  near  IMounds- 
ville,  Mai-shall  county. 

Mr.  n.  B.  Scrafford,  Ceneral  Manager  of  the  Eureka  Pipe 
Lines  in  W(‘st  Virginia,  has  kindly  furnished  the  Survey  a state- 
ment of  tli(‘/ gravity,  color,  (he.,  of  tlu;  oils  from  the  dilferent 
sands  in  West  Virginia,  and  the  adjoining  r(*gion  of  south-('a stern 
Ohio,  as  handled  by  the  [)ump  stations  in  the  several  jegions. 
d'hese  oils  would  show  a little  higher  gravity  if  the  samples  had 
been  ta,k('n  dii*e(d,  from  th(^  wells,  but  those  given  are  the  gr'avities 
of  the  sev(M‘al  oils  after  they  had  been  ti'ansported  to  the  different 
l()cal  j)umping  stations,  ajid  hence  »‘(‘pres(mt  them  on  a conimer- 
cial  basis.  This  table  which  often  includes  s(*veral  samples  in  the 
same  region  is  as  follows: 


510 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  EECORDS 


Location  of  Pump 
Station. 

County. 

. 

Sand. 

Gravity 
^’s  B. 

i Color. 

Mt.  Morris 

Greene,  Pa. 

Big  Injun 

46 

Amber 

“ “ 

“ “ 

Dunkaid 

142 

“ 

“ “ 

Elizal)eth,  Sixth 

I41 

“ 

Dolls  Run 

Monongalia 

Big  Injun 

j46 

“ 

Jakes  Run 

ii  ii 

146 

Basnett,  Fairview, 

Marion 

Gordon 

i43i 

“ “ 

“ 

Big  Injun 

i45f 

“ 

Downs,  Mann’gton 

“ 

Gordon 

!42^to  43i 

*• 

“ 

Big  Injun 

46^ 

“ 

'^?etrich 

i i 

Gprdon 

T2i 

“ 

Joetown 

“ 

“ 

|42| 

Masters, Board  Tree 

Greene,  Pa, 

'm 

Glendale 

Marshall 

First  Cow  Run 

:63| 

1 1 

Arckes 

Wetzel 

Dunkard 

:52ij 

Big  Injun 

;45f 

“ 

U ii 

:46>^ 

il 

“ 

ii  ii 

!48j 

(( 

“ 

Gordon 

39i 

“ 

“ 

“ 

'42i 

“ 

Ricliwood 

(< 

n 

431 

Pine  Fork 

i44i 

Braden,  Indian  Cr. 

;Tyler 

Big  Injun 

“ “ 

“ 

Gordon 

|44-i 

“ 

Big  Flint 

Doddridge 

Dunkard 

|48i- 

Black 

‘‘ 

Maxton 

!45 

Amlier 

“ 

Big  Injun 

142:1 

Black 

“ “ ! 

“ 

1 ii 

43f 

(i  a 1 

“ 

1 ii  .i 

45>.^ 

Amber 

it  1 

“ 

46K 

4 4 

;;  ;; 

47A 

4 4 

“ 

Gordon 

42 

nil 

“ 

“ 

43f 

‘‘ 

ii  ii  ! 

<• 

“ 

tsf 

“ “ i 

Harrison 

Fifth,  McDonald 

44 

4 4 

Ankrom,  Indian  Cr. 

Tyler 

Maxton 

45 ' 

4 4 

“ “ “ 

Big  Injun 

48  “ 

‘ ^ 

ii  n n 

ii 

46 

Black 

Martin,  Elk  Fork 

Keener 

iS)f 

Amber 

Sancho  (Bradens) 

“ 1 

Maxton 

43 

Black 

“ “ 1 

“ ' 

Big  Injun 

50 

And)er 

Wick 

< 1 1 

Cow  Run 

47 

Green 

“ 

“ 

Maxton 

47 

Black 

“ 

u i 

Keener 

45 

Amber 

“ 

ii  1 

Big  Injun  I 

52  j 

“ 

Hebron 

“ I 

Cow  Run  1 

46  i 

Green 

“ 

Big  Injun 

46f 

Amber 

Stewart, Mid’e  IslCr 

“ 

Cow  Run 

54  , 

“ 

u i. 

Maxton 

44 

Black 

“ “ “ “ 

“ 1 

Keener  ! 

53f 

Amber 

“ “ “ ‘‘ 

ii 

Big  Injun  , i 

44K  1 

4 4 

“ “ “ “ 

“ 

( ( i i ' 

46i  ! 

Green 

11  “ “ “ 

4(  44 

54 

Bhu^k 

WEST  VTUGINIA  GEOLOGTCAL  SIJKVEY 


511 


Location  of  Pump 
Station, 

County. 

Sand. 

Gravity, 
"’s  B. 

Color. 

Thistle,  Sistersvillc 

Tyler 

Keener 

48 

Amber 

“ 

47 

“ “ 

Monroe,  0. 

“ 

47f 

“ “ 

“ 

Salt  Sand 

44 

“ 

“ “ 

Big  Injun 

47^ 

‘r 

‘‘ 

“ “ 

50 

“ “ 

“ 

“ “ 

50.1 

“ “ 

“ 

Maxton 

47 

Black 

“ “ 

( i 

Berea 

46.1 

Amber 

Trail  Kun 

Washington,  0. 

Keener 

441 

‘i 

( ( a 

“ 

46 

“ “ 

“ 

“ 

46f 

‘‘ 

“ “ 

“ 

Big  Injun 

47 

“ 

“ “ 

“ 

48 

“ 

“ “ 

“ 

ii  i ( 

49 

t k 

Cairo 

Ritchie 

Salt  Sand 

451 

“ 

( i 

i i 

Big  Injun 

50 

“ 

Pennsboro 

Boulder 

41 

Burning  Springs 

Wirt 

Cow  Run 

39 

Green 

“ 

Big  Injun 

51 

( < 

Volcano 

Wood 

Salt  Sand 

341 

“ 

“ 

“ 

Berea 

501 

“ 

Mounts,  Stillw’l  Or, 
Boreman,  Worth- 

‘" 

41  ■ 

ington  Creek 

“ 

39.1 

Big  Run 

“ 

Cow  Run 

43“ 

1 1 

Bull  Cr.  Waverly 

“ 

“ “ 

46 

“ 

ii  H i ( 

“ 

Big  Injun 

40 

“ 

Eureka 

Pleasants 

Cow  Run 

46 

“ 

“ 

Berea 

51 

Washington,  0, 

Shallow 

42 

First  Cow  Run 

49 

“ 

“ 

“ “ “ 

501 

Lig’t  Green 

i i 

Second  “ “ 

431 

Dark  “ 

i i 

“ 

Salt  Sand 

42' 

“ “ 

i i 

“ 

Big  Injun 

42 

Green 

i i 

“ 

“ “ 

53,1 

Amber 

n 

Berea 

41 

Green 

i ( 

“ 

471 

Amber 

Corning 

Athens,  0. 

“ 

38 

Black 

New  Castle 

Monroe,  0. 

“ 

43 

(C 

Barnesville 

Belmont,  0. 

“ 

44 

■ ii 

Mi\  Ray  V.  Jlenneii,  and  Chief  (Jlerk  of  tiie  Sur- 

vey, has  ]-(‘cently  visitcal  several  of  the  ])rodueing‘  i-e^i’ions  of  the 
State  and  made  a few  tests  of  the  g'ravity  of  tlie  oils  as  tliey  come 
fresh  from  the  wells  as  well  as  that  of  some  bottled  samph's.  His 
results  are  (*ml)odi(‘d  in  the  following-  table ; 


512 


OIL  AND  GAS  WELL  RECORDS 


Location  of 
Sample  Near 

County. 

Sand. 

Gravitv 
°’s  B 

1 

Farm  and  Well  No. 

Remarks. 

Milton  Field 

Cabell 

Keener 

C.  E.  fiurns  No.  2 

Fresh  oil 

u 

1 

40. ti 

jC.  Beckett  No.  1 

ii  ii 

“ 

“ 

10.9 

J.  Hai’shbarger  No.  1 

4. 

" 

i 

E.  W.  Beckett  No.  1 

istinfl’d  stan- 
ing-  1 month 

“ 

34.9 

: ..  u 44 

Bottled  sample 

i “ 

Cow  Run 

42.4 

' 44 

ii 

Keener 

'40.7 

i “ “ 2 

Fresh  oil 

i “ 

Cow  Run 

40.2 

3 

Saved  by  drill’s 

Keener 

41.1 

T.  J.  Berkley  1 

Fresh  oil 

Fellow  Creek 

jCalhoun 

Gantz  (?) 

142.0 

J.  Metz  2 and  4 

(31d  wells 

Li 

; “ 

141.2 

jj.  Metz  land  3 

i i 

fcfc  ii 

“ 

1 

43.0 

J.  Metz  4 

ii 

44.3 

J.  Metz  6,  7 and  8 

44 

; 

48. 3_ 

S.  Selraan  No.  1 

New,  largest  in 
li’d  when  str’k 

“ 

45.5 

Oaf  Taylor  No.  2 

Rowels  Run 

44 

1 

;44.i 

|R.  Curry  No.  1 

1st  in  held 

1 “ 

44.6 

E.  A.  Fore  No.  2 

20  bbl.  well 

Chester 

! Hancock 

Berea 

49.3 

S.  A Richmond  2 

Fresh  oil 

1 

48.0 

44  4.  ^ 

44  44 

47.7 

“ “ 4 and  5 

ii  ii 

“ 

Beaver,  Pa. 

'40.0 

T.  M.  Nickle  No.  1 

W.  Va.-Pa.  line 

Mounds  vi  lie 

Marshall 

Dunkard 

147.5 

Higgins  1,  2 tind  3 

Tn  tank  s’etime 

Amos  P.  (). 

Marion 

Fifth 

43.8 

S.  J.  Harvey  No.  4 

Bayard 

42.1  ! 

Wilson  H’rs  No,  9 

Deepest  oil  w’ll 
in  wo’d  3631  ft) 

Cairo  ' 

Ritchie 

Keeiier 

45.0 

.1,  Moats  No.  5 

Fresh  oil 

“ 1 

45.9 

S.  ]Moats  No.  4 i 

4. 

“ 

Salt 

43.1 

II.  Moats  No  2 j 

44 

“ 

Big-  Injun 

45.8 

A.  M.  Douglas  No.  1 

1st  in  f’d  (14  yr) 

44 

13.0 

I).  M.  Sl(‘etli  No.  1 

Fresh  cil 

44 

Carroll 

40.0  1 

A.  Y Few  No.  2 i 

Bottled  sample 

“ 

40.9 

-I.  C.  Let'  No.  10 

4. 

Smith  ville 

“ 

Big-  Injun 

II. 1. 

W m.  Jlarker  No.  2 * 

44 

Rurton 

Wetzel 

Maxton 

13.5  i 

W.  G Snodgrass  No.  1 j 

90  bbl,  V ell 

44 

44.0  ! 

J.  Santee  No.  2 

Bottled  sample 

Burning-  Spr’g-s 

Wirt 

■2jid  Cow  Run 

39.1 

Roberts  Brothers  j 

Salt 

38.0 

44  44 

“ 

37.0 

A.  P.  Clark  1-6  1 

2nd  Cow  Run 

42.8 

Roberts  Brothers 

r)0(t  ft.  : 

33.3 

a 

** 

Keener 

11.8 

a a 

WEIST  VlliUlISU  GEOLOGIOAI^  SURVEY 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS. 

In  the  annual  report  of  the  Second  Geological  Survey  of 
Pennsylvania,  Part  I,  Oil  and  Gas,  for  1886,  pages  787-827, 
there  was  published  a very  iniportant  paper  on  “The  Chemical 
Composition  of  Natural  Gas”  by  Professor  Francis  C.  1 hillips 
of  the  Western  University  of  Pennsylvania.  Since  this  elaborate 
paper  of  Professor  Phillips  is  not  now  genei^ally  accessible,  ancl 
owing  to  the  importance  of  natural  gas  as  a source  of  heat  in 
West  Virginia,  this  valuable  paper  of  Professor  Phillips  is  here- 
with re-published  in  full,  together  with  the  explanatory  imte  of 
the  late  Mr.  C.  A.  Ashburiier,  as  follows: 

THE  CHEMICAL  COMPOSITION  OP  NATURAL  GAS.* 

By  Francis  C.  Phillips, 

Professor  of  Chemistry,  Western  University,  AUeglioty,  Pa. 

I ntrodnct  ion. 

Natural  gas,  as  obtained  from  sev(o-al  of  the  most  ])ro(luctive 
fields  in  Pennsylvania,  according  to  the  analytical  data  prc'sented 

*Prof.  P))il]i)^s  has  spent  eonsiderable  time  in  tlie  study  aiivl  prac- 
tical investigations  of  gaseous  fuels,  and  at  niy  re(|uest  he  was  com- 
missioned in  the  early  part  of  the  year  to  make  analyses  of  tlu^  natural 
gas  from  eight  of  the  most  pi’ominent  })ools  in  the  Statf*,  and  one  an- 
alysis of  the  Fredonia  gas  in  New  YoiF 

The  first  systematic  investigation  as  to  the  composition  of  nat- 
ural gas  in  the  State,  was  made  by  the  Geological  Survey  in  1^75,  the 
]-esults  of  which  were  published  in  a Report  on  the  Tl^se  of  Natural 
Gas  in  lion  Manufactu]*e,  in  1876.  Since  ISSd,  wlum  the  use  of  natural 
gas  for  fuel  became  rnoiv  general,  numeious  analyses  of  the  different 
gases  have  been  made  by  a numbei'  of  chemists.  The  wide  differences 
in  the  composition  of  the  gases  as  shown  by  these  analyses  were  so 
great  that  Pi’of.  ]^hilli]>s  exercised  rnoi'e  than  special  care  in  the  col- 
lection of  his  sam[)les,  and  in  the  method  of  determining  the  individual 
constituents  of  the  gases.  All  analyses  were  made  in  duplicate. 

C.  A.  ASHBURNFR, 

Geologist  in  Charge, 


511 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATT  EAL  GAS 


in  this  report,  consists  chiefly  of  the  hydrocarbons  of  the  paraffin 
series,  to^otlier  with  nitrogen,  a small  proportion  of  carbon  diox- 
ide and  traces  of  oxygtai.  Free  hydrogen  was  found  in  minute 
quantity  in  S|)eeclfley  gas.  It  is  possible  that  by  employing  many 
thousand  cubic  feet  of  gas,  traces  of  other  constituents  might  he 
discovered.  Tiiasmuch  as  the  composition  of  natural  gas  pos- 
sesses an  intei*('st  for  those  who  are  not  familiar  with  the  strictly 
chemical  as])ect  of  the  question,  a fcAv  preliminary  statements  as 
to  the  more  characteristic  properties  of  its  chief  constituents  will 
no  doubt  prove  of  value  in  this  connection. 

Hydrogen  is  obtained  as  a gas  by  the  action  of  dilute 
sulphuric  acid  upon  zinc.  It  is  also  produced  during  the  putre- 
faction of  vegetable  matters  buried  under  stagnant  water.  Its 
specific  gravity  is  0.06923-1:  as  compared  with  air.  One  cubic 
meter  weighs  0.089523  kilogram.  One  cubic  foot  weig:hs  39.12 
grains.  Hydrogen  is  odorless  and  tasteless.  It  takes  fire  at  a 
bright  red  heat,  and  more  readily  than  other  constituents  of  fuel 
gases. 

Hydrogen  in  burning  generates  34180  heat  units  per  unit 
weight  burned.  The  product  of  its  combustion  is  water. 

In  fuel  gases  hydrogen  may  occur  in  two  very  different 
forms. 

In  its  free  and  micoynhined  state,  it  is  often  reported  in  the 
anal3^ses  of  natural  gas,  and  constitutes  generality  from  30  per 
cent,  to  40  })er  cent.  l)y  volume  of  ordinary  coal  gas,  being  a pro- 
duct (vf  the  (k'structive  distillation  of  coal  at  veiy  high  tempera- 
tures. 9'h(‘  pi'('sence  of  a lai'ge  propoiTion  of  free  hydrogen  in  a 
gas  fuel  caus(‘s  it  to  bium  with  a relatively  small  admixture  of  air, 
since  one  volume  of  hydrogen  re([uin\s  onl^^  one-half  volume  of 
oxygen,  oi*  two  and  one-halt*  volumes  of  air  for  complete  combus- 
tion. The  hydrogen  flame  is  non-luminous. 

In  eonibinatioii  with  earhon,  in  the  form  of  hydro-carbons, 
lynlrogen  constituh's  about  one-fourth  by  weight  of  the  combus- 
tible ])ortion  of  the  natural  gas  now  being  used  as  fuel  in  Penn- 
s.vlvania. 

These  h^ulro-carbons,  which  represent  approximately  nine- 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


515 


tenths  by  volume  oF  natural  i?as,  are  divided  into  two  classes: 
Paratfins  and  Olefines.  Of  the  paraffins,  the  best  known  and  most 
abundant  is  methane  (C  H^)  consisting  of  25.03  per  cent,  hydro- 
gen, and  74.97  per  cent,  carbon  by  weight. 

Methane  is,  like  hydrogen,  a product  of  the  destructive  <lis- 
tillation  of  coal,  and  consequently  constitutes  a large  proportion 
of  ordinary  coal  gas.  It  is  also  produced  with  hydrogen  when 
plants  decay  at  the  bottom  of  rivers  and  swamps,  and  hence  its 
older  name  of  marsh  gas.  Methane,  when  pure  is  odorless,  and 
not  poisonous.  Its  specific  gravity  is  0.55297.  One  cubic  meter 
weighs  0.7148  kilogram.  One  cubic  foot  weighs  312.36  grains. 
It  is  converted  into  a liquid  under  a pressure  of  about  2700  lbs. 
per  square  inch  at  12°  F.,  or  at  263°  below  zero  F.,  under  atmos- 
pheric pressure.  Methane  requires  twice  its  volume  of  oxygen 
or  ten  volumes  of  air  for  its  complete  combustion,  and  the  pro- 
ducts are  carbon  dioxide  and  water  vapor. 

The  Ilukill  well,  I^yon’s  run,  south  of  Murrysville,  as  al- 
ready stated,  yields  this  gas  in  a nearly  pure  condition.  Methane 
contains  in  one  cubic  foot,  two  cubic  feet  of  hydrogen,  and  hence 
in  the  union  of  the  carbon  and  hydrogen,  a considerable  conden- 
sation occurs.  Methane  is  the  typical  and  best  known  member  of 
a large  group  of  hydro  carbons,  which  exhibit  a remarkable  re- 
semblance in  chemical  relationships.  The  following  list  includes 
several  of  the  most  important : 


Methane, CH4 

Ethane, .* C2H(; 

Propane, C.jHs 

Butane, C4H10 

Pentane, U5H12 

Hexane, Cc.Hh 

Heptane, C7Hi(j 

Octane.  CsHis 


C“  H2”  +2 

'The  first  four  hydro-carbons  are  gases,  but  are  more  and  more 
easily  condensable  to  tlu'  licpiid  form  in  proportion  as  the  amount 
of  carbon  is  greater.  The  higher  paraffins  are  solid.  Common 
‘‘paraffin  wax’’  contains  several  of  the  highest  members.  While 
Methane  (CH4)  constitutes  from  50  per  cent,  to  90  per  cent,  or 
more  of  Pennsylvania  natural  gas,  Ethane,  (CoHo)  the  next 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


51  r> 

member  of  the  series  occurs  in  smaller  quantity.  Concerning  the 
higher  members,  Propane,  (CgHg),  and  Butane,  (CiH,,,),  very 
little  is  as  yet  known,  but  there  is  reason  to  think  that  they  are 
of  common  occurrence.  Pentane,  (CsHio),  isfounrl  in  the  light- 
est distillates  from  petroleum,  and  the  higher  members  are  found 
in  abundance  in  crude  oil.  It  may  be  said  concerning  the  gaseous 
hydro-caihons  of  the  series  that  they  possess  higher  specific  grav- 
ity, fuel  value  and  illuminating  power,  and  also  stronger  odor 
in  proportion  as  the  ])ercentage  weight  of  carbon  is  greater. 

The  illuminating  power  of  pure  methane,  artificially  pre- 
pared, has  been  determined  as  5.15  to  5.20  standard  candles  per 
5 cubic  feet  burned  per  hour.  (Wright,  Chemical  News,  1885, 

p.  102.) 

The  second  class  of  hydro-carbons  found  in  gas  and  petro- 
leum includes  the  Olefines.  Of  these  the  typical  member  is  Ethy- 
lene or  Olefiant  gas,  (C.,H4)  Ethylene  is  one  of  the  products 
of  the  action  of  heat  upon  coal  and  various  vegetable  substances. 
It  is  a gas  having  a specific  gravity  of  0.96744.  Condensable  to 
a liquid  at  a temperature  of  166°  below  zero  F.  According  to 
Prankland  its  illuminating  power  is  equal  to  68  standard  candles, 
and  hence  the  name  “illuminating  hydro-carbons”  often 
given  to  the  group.  One  cubic  foot  in  ])urning  reciuires  3 cubic 
feet  of  oxygen,  or  15  cubic  feet  of  air.  On  account  of  their 
limited  occurrence,  olefines  in  many  eases  have  no  influence  upon 
the  fuel  value  of  natui*al  gas.  They  ai)peai*  to  he  more  a1)undant 
among  the  less  volatile  hydro-carlions  of  petroleum. 

Whether  hydrogen  occurs  in  the  free  state  in  a gas  fuel, 
or  as  a hydro-carbon,  the  product  of  comlmstion  will  invariably 
be  water  vapor,  mixed  in  the  latter  case  with  carhon  dioxide. 

Carbon  Dioxide,  CO.;,.  Well  known  as  a universal  prod- 
uct of  decay,  and  as  a gaseous  furnace  product,  Carhon  Diox- 
ide or  Carbonic  Acid  is  ev(‘rywhere  prescmt,  in  the  air,  in  water 
and  in  the  soil  and  i-ocks. 

A sulfocating  gas,  having  a specific  gravity  of  1.5241.  1 

cubic  meter  w(‘ighs  1.9650  kilogram. 

Condensable  to  a li((uid  under  780  lbs.  ])r(‘ssure  at  60°  F. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


517 


iiH‘()inl)iistil)l(‘  its  pivscnce  in  (varying'  from  a 
trace  to  4 oi‘  5 per  cent.)  tends  to  rediiee  to  a corresponding 
degree  tlu*  fuel  value.  Its  presence  may  readily  be  shown  by 
causing  the  gas  to  stream  slowly  through  lime  water,  in  which 
a milky  deposit  of  carbonate  of  lime  soon  begins  to  form. 

Xitrogeii. — As  a diluent  of  greater  influence  upon  fuel 
value,  we  must  regard  nitrogen,  on  account  of  its  occurrence  in 
larger  (tuantity.  Constituting  4-5  of  atmospheric  air,  it  is  well 
known  for  its  chemically  indifferent  chai*acter.  In  gas  fuels  it 
reduces  the  heating  i)ower  in  propoi'tion  to  its  quantity. 

Gas  from  the  liukill  well,  Lyon’s  run,  contained  2.02  per 
cent,  while  gas  from  Houston  (near  Canonsburg)  contained 
15.80  per  cent,  of  nitrogen.  Should  the  natural  gas  supply  ever 
become  seriously  diminished,  it  is  jiroliable  that  a time  will 
come  wlien  the  actual  calorific  power  will  be  an  imi)ortant  factor 
in  determining  the  mai'ket  value.  In  that  event  the  j)roportion 
of  carbon  dioxide  and  nitrogen,  as  well  as  the,  chai-acter  of  the 
hydro-carbons,  will  possess  great  interest  for  the  gas  companies 
and  the  consumers. 

Oxygen  being  well  known  as  the  constituent  of  atmos- 
pheric air  which  is  the  active  cause  in  all  cases  of  combustion 
slow  or  rapid,  its  presence  in  natui'al  gas  would  seem  improba- 
ble. Contact  of  Oxygen  with  the  oxidi/able  elements  of  gas 
under  high  })ressure  would  appeaj*  likely  to  cause  its  absorption 
and  th('  formation  of  a cori*esi)onding  amount  of  carbon  dioxide 
or  waftn*.  Nevertheless  nunute  ti*aces  ar*e  constantly  found  and 
are  indicated  with  grvat  i)ositiveiu*ss  in  gas  as  it  flows  directly 
from  th(‘  wells  and  uinho'  high  j)ressure.  It  has  been  exj)erijnent- 
ally  shown  that  oxygen  and  nitrogen  may  be  dissolved  and  held 
in  mechanical  solution  by  peti*oieum,  and  that  oxygen  is  even 
more  sohd)h‘  in  peti*oleum  than  in  water.  (St.  Guiewosz,  Re- 
ports of  the  Berlin  Chemical  Society,  1887  j).  188.) 

Foi*  its  li(juifact ion  methane  re(inires,  as  ali*eady  stated, 
a ])r(‘ssnre  ol  at  h^ast  2,700  lbs.  at  common  teirq)e]'ntui'es.  Ltliane 
is  li([uilied  undcM*  a pressui'e  of  000  lbs.  Carbon  dioxide  requires 
a pressure  of  780  lbs. 


518 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATUKAL  GAS 


Far  greater  pressures  are  needed  for  the  liqu  if  action  of 
oxygen,  nitrogen  and  hydrogen. 

It  is  a fact  of  much  interest  in  this  connection  that  in  the 
ease  of  methane,  the  principal  constituent  of  natural  gas,  the 
pressure  under  which  liquifaction  takes  place  is  about  four  times 
that  found  in  the  most  productive  gas  wells. 

If  in  the  reservoir  tapped  by  the  well  a pressure  exists  four 
times  greater  than  that  at  the  well  mouth,  it  is  probable  that  the 
expansion  there  resulting  would  cause  a marked  lowering  of  the 
temperature  in  the  well. 

It  is  commonly  found  however  that  the  main  leading  from 
the  well  mouth  does  not  possess  a temperature  much  lower  than 
the  air.  From  this  it  seems  probable  that  methane  cannot 
exist  in  a liquified  state  in  the  rocks. 

The  carbon  dioxide  and  ethane,  on  the  other  hand,  may  occur 
constantly  in  liquid  form  in  the  rocks  to  which  many  of  the 
wells  penetrate. 

Collection  of  Samples. 

Glass  vessels  having  a capacity  of  250  to  400  cubic  centi- 
meters were  carefully  dried  by  a current  of  warm  air,  and  in 
order  to  obtain  the  gas  as  nearly  as  possible  free  from  moisture 
the  following  method  was  employed: 

Glacial  phosphoric  acid,  partially  cooled  from  fusion,  was 
drawn  out  into  fine  threads.  A considerable  number  of  such 
threads,  in  short  pieces,  could  be  pushed  through  the  glass  stop- 
cocks, by  which  the  vessels  were  (4osed,  and  left  in  the  vessels 
which  were  then  ready  for  the  reception  of  gas  samples.  It  is 
of  importance  to  state  that  these  vessels  had  been  long  in  use 
for  the  same  purpose  and  had  been  proved  to  be  air-tight  by 
thorough  and  repeated  tests. 

In  collecting  the  samples  several  of  these  glass  cylinders 
were  connected  in  a series  with  the  well  or  main  by  short  rubber 
hose,  and  gas  allowed  to  flow  for  twenty  minutes  through 
them  all. 

The  stopcocks  were  then  closed  in  such  a manner  as  to  leave 
a slight  excess  of  gas  pressure  in  each  vessel. 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SIJKVEY 


519 


The  stopcocks  (which  luul  previously  been  well  greased  with 
a mixture  of  tallow  and  wax)  were  then  wound  over  and  com- 
pletely eovei'ed  by  fine  cord,  so  that  each  resembled  a ball  of  cord. 
The  capillary  ends  of  the  cylinders  were  then  closed  by  short 
I)ieces  of  thick  rubber  hose  plugged  with  glass  rods. 

By  this  mode  of  wrapping  all  movement  of  the  stopcocks 
during  transportation  on  railroads  is  prevented. 

The  gas  thus  left  in  contact  with  the  glacial  phosphoric 
was  gradually  dried  and  ready  for  analysis  on  reaching  the 
laboratory. 

The  common  method  of  taking  a gas  sample  in  a glass  cylin- 
der having  finely  drawn  out  ends,  which  are  to  be  sealed  by  a 
dame  when  the  vessel  is  filled,  is  not  applicable  in  the  case  of 
natural  gas.  ddie  constant  escape  of  gas  about  a gas  well  renders 
the  use  of  a flame  al)solutely  impossible  on  account  of  the  danger 
of  accident.  Vessels  closed  t)y  glass  stopcocks  are  now  supplied 
by  dealers,  cai)able  of  holding  a gas  sample  for  many  weeks  with- 
out risk  of  leaking. 

Method  of  Analysis. 

The  determination  of  carbon  and  hydrogen  existing  in  com- 
bustible foruj  in  tlu'  gas  was  conducted  by  combustion  over  oxide 
of  copper  ill  a porcelain  tube,  which  was  kept  at  a bright  red 
heat,  and  the  ri^sulting  carbon  dioxide  and  water  collected  sepa- 
rately and  weighed. 

OiKi  of  the  glass  cylinders,  filled  with  gas  at  the  well,  was 
placed  in  a vertical  jiosition  and  the  temjieralure  observed  at 
intervals. 

When  it  was  found  that  the  temperature^  had  remained 
constant  for  two  hours,  the  lower  sto[)coi:k  was  opened  for  a 
moment  to  alh)w  the  exi'css  of  gas  to  esi^ape  and  secure  equilib- 
rium bi'tweem  th(>  pressure  of  the  gas  inside  and  that  of  the 
atmosphere.  At  the  same  time  the  tenqierature'  and  the  height 
of  the  bai*om(‘t(*r  w<‘i‘e  I'ecorded.,  The  glass  cylinder  was  then 
conn(‘cted  with  a porcelain  tube  containing  oxide  of  copper, 
and  already  heated  to  intmise  rialness  in  a furnace,  and  the  gas 
forced  out  of  the  cylinder  by  dry  mercury.  As  the  gas  escaped 


520 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


from  the  cylinder  it  was  carried  through  the  porcelain  tube  by 
a slow  stream  of  nitrogen  previously  dried  by  suitable  means. 

The  gas  was  thus  burned  completely  to  carbon  dioxide  and 
water  which  were  collected  and  weighed  by  the  usual  methods, 
using  a balance  plainly  sensitive  to  1-10000  gram. 

After  the  combustion,  the  glass  cylinder  was  accurately  cali- 
brated by  means  of  mercury  at  a known  temperature,  and  thus 
was  determined  the  exact  volume  of  gas  which  had  been  burned. 

As  it  appeared  possible  under  the  conditions  of  the  method 
that  some  nitrogen  might  undergo  an  oxidation,  the  water  pro- 
duced in  the  combustion  of  the  gas  was  carefully  tested,  but  in 
no  case  was  the  water  found  to  have  an  acid  reaction. 

In  the  above  described  method  are  determined  the  weights 
of  carbon  and  hydrogen  per  unit  volume  of  gas.  In  conducting 
the  combustion  great  care  was  taken  to  secure  complete  oxida- 
tion, of  the  combustible  constituents,  and  absorption  of  the 
products. 

For  the  absorption  of  water,  sulphuric  acid  of  1.71  Sp. 
Gr.,  followed  by  phosphoric  anhydride,  was  used,  and  for  the 
carbon  dioxide  a solution  of  caustic  potash  in  glycerine. 

For  the  determination  of  nitrogen  the  following  method 
was  e]n{)l()yed:  A porcelain  combustion  tube  containing  oxide 
of  coppci'  was  brought  to  a yellow  heat,  and  a stream  of  carbon 
dioxide  conducted  through  the  tube  until  the  last  traces  of  air 
were  expelled. 

The  exinilsion  of  the  air  was  considered  complete  when  it 
was  found  that  the  carbon  dioxide  escaping  from  the  tube  was 
wholly  absorbed  by  a solution  of  caustic  potash, — 100  cubic  centi- 
meters of  such  gas  not  leaving  a visible  quantity  unabsorbed  by 
the  allmline  solution.  Then,  after  expulsion  of  the  last  traces 
of  air,  a (quantity  of  natural  gas  (100  c.  c.  were  generally  em- 
ployed), was  allowed  to  How  slowly  into  the  stream  of  carbon 
dioxide  as  it  entered  the  combustion  tube,  in  this  manner  the 
gas  was  burned  and  a mixture  of  nitrogen  and  carbon  dioxide 
collected  in  a eudiometer  over  caustic  potash  solution.  After 
the  absoi'ption  of  the  carbon  dioxide  the  volume  of  the  residual 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


r)2i 

niti’o^vn  w;is  niensured.  This  nitrogen  was  carefully  tested 
for  carbon  dioxide,  oxyj»‘eii  and  carbon  monoxide,  and  was  fre- 
quently rei)assed  throujih  the  heated  combustion  tube  a second 
time  and  a^-ain  measured,  in  order  to  insure  tlie  comi)lete  com- 
bustion of  all  hydi'o-carbons.  This  repetition  demonsti*ated  in 
all  but  one  or  two  instances  that  the  nitrogen  was  pure.  It 
was  found  that  with  a sufficiently  slow  stream  of  gas  the  oxidation 
by  the  oxide  of  copper  is  easily*  rendered  complete,  although  the 
rate  of  flow  must  be  regulated  with  great  care. 

By  the  common  eudiometric  methods  of  analysis  no  deter- 
mination is  more  difficult  than  that  of  nitrogen  when  occurring 
in  small  quantities  in  admixture  with  hydrocarbons  of  the  paraf- 
fin series.  In  the  method  above  described  large  ({uantities 
of  gas  can  be  employed,  and  the  results  are  accurate. 

The  determination  of  free  oxygen  in  natural  gas  cannot 
well  be  made  with  the  quantity  of  gas  commonly  at  disposal. 
A test  was  made  in  every  instance  in  alxmt  100  cubic  centimeters 
of  gas,  using  an  Elliott  apparatus,  and  as  m j'bsorbent  a solution 
of  caustic  soda  and  pyrogallic  acid.  L all  cases  the  results 
were  negative. 

1 have  found  it  necessaiy  to  conduct  tiu'  tests  for  oxygen 
at  the  wells,  and  this  was  done  in  the  1‘ollowing  manner: 

.A  slow  stream  of  gas  was  caused  to  flow  (dii’tx'tly  from  the 
well  or  main)  successively  tln*ough  solutions  of  caustic  [)otash 
and  pyrogallic  acid  for  10  minutes,  in  order  to  expel  tlissolved 
air.  Then  by  a simi)le  contrivance  the  two  fluids  w(‘re  mixed  with- 
out intei'rupting  the  cui'rcmt  of  gas,  which  ('ontiniK'd  some  tinfe 
longer  through  the  mixture.  If  the  niixu'd  fluids  then  exhibiud 
a bro,wn  color,  gradually  increasing  in  depth,  it  was  considered 
that  the  presence  of  oxygen  was  (established. 

1 he  direct  determinaf ioii  of  Ii'(^e  hydi'ogen  has  gvnei'idly 
been  considered  a matter  of  such  difficulty,  that  in  many  i)ub- 
lished  analysers  its  (piaiitity  has  IxMni  estimated  by  a,  e<deulatioii 
based  U{)on  the  total  (an-bon  and  liydrogim  contained  in  the  gas. 
For  the  present  purpose  a diivct  d(derminatio!i  s(‘emed  wny  d(\sir- 
able  and  the  process  of  llempel  has  been  used  in  the  manner  de- 


522 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATUItAL  GAS 


scribed  below.  100  cubic  centimeters  of  ^as,  after  the  removal  of 
carbon  dioxitle  were  washed  with  strong  alcohol  until  the  higher 
hydro-carbons,  ethane,  propane,  &c.,  were  removed.  This  was  car- 
ried out  in  an  Elliott  apparatus,  having  a water  jacket.  Then  the 
residual  gas  mixed  with  two  or  three  times  its  volume  of  air, 
was  passed  over  asbestos,  coated  with  30%  of  Palladium  sponge 
at  a temperature  of  °C. 

By  this  treatment  the  hydrogen  alone  is  burned,  provided 
the  higher  paraflins,  including  ethane  are  previously  removed 
by  washing  with  alcohol.  Prom  the  contraction  in  volume  after 
passing  the  palladium,  the  proportion  of  free  hydrogen  is  easily 
determined. 

The  method  is  very  accurate  when  methane  is  the  only 
hydro-carbon  present.  It  is  inaccurate  in  presence  of  ethane 
and  the  higher  members  of  the  series,  and  when  these  are  present 
the  washing  with  alcohol  must  be  long  continued.  As  it  is  a 
matter  of  great  difficulty  to  retain  hydrogen,  even  by  the  help 
of  the  most  carefully  ground  stopcocks,  the  tests  for  this  element 
were  made  in  all  cases  at  once  after  the  arrival  of  the  samples 
in  the  laboratory. 

The  olefines,  as  a group  and  carbon  monoxide,  are  much  more 
easily  determined  in  natural  gas  than  the  paraffins  and  free 
hydrogen. 

The  olefines  are  cpiickly  absorbed  and  i*emoved  by  bromine 
water  and  carbon  monoxide  by  a solution  of  cuprous  chloride. 
These  reagents  are  used  in  the  order  named.  Unfortunately, 
however,  these  fluids  are  likewise  solvents,  in  less  degree,  for  the 
paraffins, — ethane,  propane,  &c.  Hence  a gas  perfectly  free 
fi*om  olefines  and  carbon  monoxide  is  lia])le,  on  being  washed 
with  the  above*  named  fluids,  to  undergo  a reduction  in  volume, 
leading  to  a wrong  conclusion. 

For  the  determination  of  these  substances  the  following 
process  was  used,  based  on  the  solubility  of  both  in  a cuprous 
chloride  solution.  At  the  gas  well  a stream  of  gas  was  eailsed 
to  bubble  for  two  hours  or  more  through  100  cubic  centimeters 
of  a solution  of  cuprous  chloride.  The  solution  was  preserved 
for  examination  in  the  laboratory. 


WEST  VlliGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


r)‘23 


A (luart  flask,  provided  with  a gas  deliv(iry  tube  and  a 
funnel  tube  reaching  to  the  bottom,  was  filled  with  boiled  water 
and  then  the  cuprous  chloride,  prepared  as  above  described, 
was  poured  into  the  flask  through  the  funnel  tube.  The  flask 
was  then  heated  to  the  boiling  point  and  the  water  caused  to 
boil  for  three  hours.  A small  quantity  of  gas  was  invariably 
collected  from  the  cuprous  chloride  solution  by  this  treat- 
ment. 

The  gas  so  collected  was  transferred  to  an  Elliott  apparatus 
carefully  tested  for  olefines,  and  carbon  monoxide  by  bromine 
water  and  cuprous  chloride  solution.  In  this  way  the  quantities 
of  these  two  constituents  in  a very  large  quantity  of  gas  could 
be  collected  in  concentrated  form,  convenient  for  a qualitative 
test. 

Carbon  dioxide  was  determined  by  means  of  moist  potash  in 
a eudiometer  over  mercury,  and  also  in  the  Elliott  apparatus 
over  water,  by  caustic  potash  solution.  The  latter  method 
yields  very  correct  results. 

In  addition  to  the  determinations  can h ,}  out  in  the  labora- 
tory, rlu?  gas  at  the  well  was  caused  to  pass  in  a slow  stream 
through  lime  water.  The  stream  of  gas  was  made  approxi- 
mately th(‘  same  by  using  the  same  delivery  tube,  depth  of  lime 
water  and  shape  of  containing  vessel,  and  by  counting  the  num- 
ber of  bubbles  per  minute,  and  then  noting  the  rapidity  with 
which  the  lime  water  bc^came  milky. 

For  the  detection  of  ammonia,  the  gas  at  the  well  was  caused 
to  bubbk'  through  100  c.  e.  of  water,  which  had  been  carefully 
purified  by  distilling  with  a,dditi()n  of  sulphuric  acid  and  per- 
manganate* of  potash.  ^fhis  watei*  was  aftej*wards  tested  by 
Nesslm*’s  solution,  after  the  common  method  in  use  in  the;  exam- 
ination of  drinking  water,  for  ammonia. 

The  })resence  of  exceedingly  minute  traces  of  ammonia 
could  thus  be  shown  witli  great  accuracy.  As  solid  masses 
of  ammonium  carbonate  are  reported  to  have  been  thrown  out 
from  the  pipes  leading  from  gas  wells  in  the  Murrysville  field, 
this  test  seemed  very  important. 


rm 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATUEAL  GAS 


In  tlie  statement  of  tlie  ri^siilts  of  analyses  all  g’as  volumes 
are  to  be  nnderstood  as  “normar’ — that  is  the  volumes  observed 
under  different  conditions  of  temperature  and  pressures  are  all 
I'edueed  to  zero,  CentigTade,  and  760  millimeters  mercury  pres- 
sure; and,  where  measured  in  a moist  condition,  are  calculated  as 
dry. 

The  temperatures  were  all  measured  by  one  and  the  same 
thermometer,  of  which  the  error  was  known  from  a comparison 
with  the  Yale  Observatory  standard.  This  thermometer  was 
made  by  Green  in  New  York,  and  is  divided  to  1-10  degrees 
centigrade. 

The  barometer  used  was  made  l)y  Hicks,  and  indicated  by 
vernier,  changes  of  1-1000  inch.  The  constant  eri'or  of  this 
barometer  was  ascertained  by  comparison  with  the  standard 
})arometer  of  the  Signal  Service  department,  in  Washington. 

In  all  cases  of  gas  measurements  in  eudiometers,  the  observa- 
tions were  made  by  means  of  Giainow  cathetometer,  having  a 
millimeter  scale  and  vernier  and  reading  easily  to  1-20  milli- 
meter. 

The  etched  scales  upon  the  eudiometer  tul)es,  as  commonly 
supplied,  are  often  very  incorrect,  both  as  regards  uniformity 
and  total  length  of  scale,  and  are  unsuited  for  accurate  measure- 
ments of  pressures  or  volumes. 

The  glass  cylinders  containing  the  gas  sam])les  for  com- 
bustion were  calibrated  at  a temperatui'e  not  differing  by  one 
degree  (-entigrade  from  the  tempei-atni-e  at  which  the  gas  was 
measured  for  analysis.  In  this  way  the  calculation  of  errors 
rlue  to  ex])ansion  and  coidraction  of  the  glass  vessels  was  ren- 
dered unnecessary.  This  necessitated  ]*epeated  calibrations 
after  nearly  every  combustion. 

In  the  calculation  of  the  results  of  analyses,  the  following 
plan  Avas  adopted  : 

The  percentage  of  Carbon  dioxide  was  detei'inimal  volu- 
metiacally.  Having  faihal  to  find  carbon  monoxide  and  olefines 
in  any  of  the  samjiles,  they  are  necessarily  left  out  of  account 
in  the  calculation.  Having  found  free  hydrogen  in  only  one 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


525 


of  the  GTOS  sMiii])l(‘s,  and  Ikmv  in  traces,  (S{)eechley) , it  is  also  to 
be  ipiored  in  the  calculations. 

The  (|uantities  of  carbon  dioxide  and  water  produced 
in  the  combustion  of  a known  volume  of  gas  was  weigjjed. 
From  the  weight  of  th('  water  the  proportion  of  hydrogen  in  a 
unit  volume  of  gas  could  then  be  calculated.  The  percentage 
volume  of  carbon  dioxide  contained  in  the  gas  being  known, 
its  weight  was  deducted  from  the  weight  of  the  total  quantity 
obtained  in  the  combustion.  The  difference  in  the  quantity 
corresj)onding  to  carbon  in  the  form  of  hydro-carbons.  The  nitro- 
gen having  been  determined  in  a separate  portion  of  gas,  and  the 
free  hydrogen  being  also  known,  the  volume  of  the  hydrocarbons 
will  be  ex]:)ressed  by  the  following  equation. 

C & H in  form  of  hydrocarbons  k~100— (C02+N-|-Hq-etc. ) 

That  is  to  say  that  the  actual  volume  of  hydrocarl)ons  will 
occupy  the  entire  Sj)ace  in  the  gas  not  occupied  by  CO2,  N,  H,  O, 
and  other  constituents  of  the  gas. 

No  attempt  has  been  made  to  determine  the  proportion  ot 
individual  members  of  the  })araffin  series, — methane,  ethane, 
pj\)i)ane  &c.,  for  the  reason  that  no  sufficiently  accurate  methods 
are  known  foi*  the  estimation  of  these  bodies.  No  reagent  can  be 
named  which  will  absorb  and  remove  from  a mixlure  any  of  these 
paraffins  exclusively,  so  as  to  allow  of  its  cornad.  determination 
by  difference. 

In  such  a mixtiua^,  moreovei*,  no  decided  chemical  change 
can  b(‘  pi'oduced  in  any  giviai  paraffin  without  mor(‘  or  less 
altering  the  others.  They  aia*  remai'kable  for  the  resemblance 
existing  betwecm  fhem  in  chemical  I'clationships,  and  also  for  fhe 
great  resistance  whi('h  they  offer  towards  reagents  of  eveiy 
description,  excej)ting  chlorine  which  attacks  them  all  readily. 

Moreover  a calculation  of  the  relativ^e  proportions  of  the 
gaseous  hydro-carbons  of  this  class,  based  upon  eudiometi'ic 
data,  is  only  possible  where  the  number  of  such  bodies  is  known 
to  be  limited  to  two, — a condition  nevei*  to  be  assumed  in  a gas 
of  unknown  composition.  In  illustration  of  the  fact  just  stated 
it  may  here  be  mentioned  that  a mixture  of  one  volume  each  of 


526 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


methane,  ethane  and  pi’opane  yields,  on  complete  combustion, 
the  same  products  ajid  in  the  same  proportions  as  three  volumes 
of  the  intermediate  hydrocarbon  ethane.  This  can  be  shown  by 
a very  simple  calculation. 

Selection  of  Samples. 

It  was  originally  proposed  to  take  samples  from  mains  draw- 
ing gas  from  a group  of  wells  and  in  this  way  obtain  an  average 
of  the  entire  group.  This  was  sometimes  done  as  in  the  case  of 
the  Raccoon  Creek  and  Speechley  territories,  where  a large  num- 
ber of  wells,  all  producing  from  one  sand,  are  joined  to  one  main. 
In  other  fields  the  wells  are  often  drilled  to  different  sands  and 
produce  gas.  from  different  horizons  as  in  the  case  of  the  Kane 
wells.  In  many  cases,  among  a large  number  of  productive 
wells,  all  but  two  or  three  are  shut  in,  and  are  thus  held  in 
reserve.  In  such  instances  a sample  was  taken  at  a single  well, 
and  directly  from  the  main  at  the  well. 

Of  the  samples  examined.  No.  1 was  taken  at  Fredonia,  N.  Y., 
by  Mr.  E.  J.  Crissey,  Secretary  of  the  Fredonia  Natural  Gas 
Light  Co.,  from  the  main  of  the  company.  All  the  other  sam- 
ples were  collected  by  myself.  In  view  of  the  great  extent  of 
the  Pennsylvania  gas  territory,  and  the  number  of  small  areas 
of  highly  productive  gas  wells,  the  selection  of  samples  with  a 
view  to  an  approximate  average  is  a matter  of  no  small  difficulty. 
For  the  })resent  purj)Ose,  and  in  the  absence  of  any  scientific 
criteria,  reference  has  been  made  chiefly  to  the  technical  im- 
i:)ortance  of  certain  regions,  such  as  Murrysville  and  Speechley. 
Fredonia,  N.  Y.,  was  chosen  on  account  of  the  great  depth 
(geologically)  of  the  gas  rock. 

Wilcox  gas  is  remarkable  for  the  long  maintained  high  pres- 
sure exhibited  in  certain  wells. 

Baden  and  Raccoon  Creek  lie  on  the  same  anticlinal. 

Houston  (Canonsburg)  gas  comes  from  a region  200  miles 
distant  from  the  far  northern  Fredonia  gas  field.  All  the  sam- 
ples are  from  regions  where  natural  gas  is  being  largely  utilized 
on  account  of  its  fuel  value.  ^ 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


527 


Description  of  Samples. 

No.  1.— Freclonia,  N.  Y.  From  mains  of  the  Fredonia  Nat- 
ural Gas  \j'vM  Co.,  ?^Iay  FJtli  1887. 

Mr.  F.  J.  (jriss(\y,  Secretary  of  this  Company,  furnishes  the 
folloAvin^^  information  : 

Gas  is  o])tained  at  an  average  depth  of  200  feet.  The  rock 
is  black  and  gray  shale,  alO  rnating,  to  the  depth  of  about  1000 
feet,  wh(‘i'e  a limestone  is  found.  No  gas  has  been  found  below 
250  feet  until  a depth  of  Ix'tween  1700  and  1800  feet  is  reached, 
when  gas  and  salt  water  are  met.  At  2250  feet  gas  is  again  foum,!, 
which  burns  with  a veiy  white  flame,  whiter  than  that  of  the 
shallow  gas.  The  sample  examined  comes  from  the  depth  of 
200  feet. 

Two  determinations  of  nitrogen  in  this  gas  gave  9.58%  and 
9.50%  respectively.  Mean,  9.54%. 

In  two  rleterminatious  of  carbon  dioxide  there  were  found 
0.88%;  and  0.44%o.  Mean,  0.41%;. 

Desuits  of  Analysis  of  Fredonia  Gas. 

Nitrogen 9.54  per  cent 

Carbon  dioxide 0.41 

Olefines 0 

Carbon  monoxide 0 

Free  hydrogen 0 

Ammonia 0 

Hydrocarbons  of  the  i)araflin  series....  90.05 

100.00 

843.47  cubic  centimetei's  of  Fredonia  gas  yield  on  combus- 
tion, by  tb(‘  ni(4hod  already  descril)ed: 

H2O — 0.6254  gill.,  eorrespondiiig  to  H — 0.06064  gm  21. S3  per  cent. 

CO2  0.0144  gni.,  c()rresj)onding  to  C— 0.24938  gin  78.17  })er  cent. 

100.00 

Making  allowaiK'n  for  the  9.95%  of  nitrogen  and  carbon 
dioxide  coiitained  in  the  gas,  it  is  calculated  that  the  90.05% 
paraflins  ])r('sent  contain 

Per  lit(‘i-. — 0,S0()27  gm.  carbon. 

0.22515  gm.  Iiydrogen. 

In  a second  combustion  of  Fredonia  gas  826.17  cubic  cen- 
timeters yielded. 


o28 


. THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATUKAL  GAS 


H2O-  0.51)27  gm.,  corresi)oiirtjiig  to  H — 0.0600  gm— 21.89  per  cent. 

CO2 — 0.8035  gm.,  corresponding  to  C — 0.2355  gm  78.11  per  cent. 

100.00 

As  these  (iiiantities  of  carlion  and  hydrogen  belong  exclu- 
sively to  the  ])ai*afHns  in  the  gas,  it  is  calculated  that  the  paraffins 
— amounting  to  90.05%  of  the  total  gas,  will  contain 
Per  liter. — 0.<S()1S5  gni.  carbon. 

0.2247  gm.  hydrogen. 

In  these  calculations,  as  in  the  following,  an  allowance  is 
made  in  the  deterniination  of  the  carbon  for  the  very  small 
quantity  of  carbon  dioxide  which  always  occurs  in  the  original 
gas. , 

The  means  of  the  two  results  above  cited  are  per  liter  of 
paraffins, — 

0.80406  gm  Carbon=78.14  per  cent. 

0.22492  gm  Hydrogen=21.86  per  cent. 

100.00 

In  the  case  of  the  Fredonia  gas  no  tests  were  made  at  the 
wells.  An  actual  test  made  at  one  of  the  wells  in  August,  1884, 
showed  traces  of  oxygen.  In  the  limited  (juantity  at  disposal 
for  the  above  analysis  no  positively  certain  indication  for  oxygen 
could  be  obtained. 

No.  2. — From  valve  house  close  to  well  No.  1,  of  the  Shef- 
field (fas  Co.,  % mile  from  Sheffield,  Warren  Co.,  Pennsylvania. 
Wells  No.  1,  2 and  8 were  connected  with  the  main  at  the  time, 
so  that  the  sample  represents  the  average  of  the  three  wells. 

Well  No.  1 has  been  flowing  since  1875 ; No.  2 was  drilled 
two  years  later;  No.  8 in  1885.  The  gas  comes  wholly  from 
one  and  the  same  sand.  1 he  recoi'd  of  No.  1 is  given  on  page 
28  of  Mr.  Card’s  Report  on  AVarren  Co.,  for  1883. 

4’he  sand  from  which  these  wells  produce  gas  is  about  1400 
feet  deep,  and  very  nearly  at  ocean  level. 

The  Sheffield  Company  own  six  wells.  In  the  newer  wells 
the  i)r(‘ssure  is  even  greater  than  in  No.  1. 

I’he  i)ressure  in  No.  1 lias  remained  constant  since  it  was 
drilled,  and  amounts  to  550  lbs.  in  four  minutes  when  the  gas 
is  shut  in. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


520 


In  the  Sheffi(‘l(1  region  there  are  about  64  scjuare  miles  of 
gas  producing  territory,  and  the  gas  [)ressure  varies  between 
500  and  800  lbs.  per  sipiare  inch. 

The  Sheffield  gas  wells  supply  Sheffield,  Iona,  Brookston, 
Clarendon,  Warren,  Cony,  Erie  and  Jamestown,  N.  Y. 

The  wells  in  this  region  have  been  remarkably  persistent. 


Determinations  of 

(1) 

(2) 

Mean. 

Nitrogen 

9.00 

9.12 

9.06  per 

cent. 

Carbon  Dioxide 

0.33 

0.27 

0.30  per 

cent. 

Results  of  Analysis  of  Sheffield  Gas. 


Nitrogen 9-06 

Carbon  doxide, 0,30 

Oxygen Trace 

Hydrogen 0 

Olefines 0 

Carbon  monoxide, 0 

Ammonia 0 

Paraffins  90.64 


100.00 


305.27  cubic  centimeters  of  Sheffield  gas  yield  on  com- 
bustion. 

H2O. — 0.4960,  corresponding  to  H, — 0.05523  gm — 23.36  per  cent. 

C.O2 — 0.6645,  corresponding  to  C, — 0.18123  gm~76.64  per  cent. 

100.00 


From  these  results  it  is  calculated  that  the  paraffins  present 
in  the  Sheffield  gas  contain  per  liter: 

0.65495  gm  carbon. 

0,19960  gm  hydrogen. 

In  a s(‘cond  combustion  314.44  cubic  centimeters  of  Sheffield 
gas  yield: 

H2O. — 0.5090  gm,  corresponding  to  H, — 0.05668  gm— 23.27  per  cent. 

C.  O2 — 0,6851  gm,  corresponding  to  C, — 0.18684  gm— 76.73  per  cent. 

100.00 


The  paraffins  will  therefore  contain  per  liter: 

0.65557  gm  carbon. 

0.19887  gm  hydrogen. 


530 


THE  COMPOSITION  OP  NATUKAL  GAS 


The  means  of  these  two  analyses  are  per  liter  of  paraffins: 

0.65526  gm  carbon^  76,69  per  ceut. 

0.19923  gm  hyl-ogen  -23.31  per  cent. 


100.  on 


No.  3. — Wilcox  Gas  Well;  3 mileL  ; rom  Wilcox,  McKean  Co. 
Sample  collected  Jan.  29,  1S87.  Originally  known  as  “Wilcox 
well.  No.  1,’'  now  called  No.  7.  Was  drilled  in  1878,  and 
produces  gas  from  the  fourth  sand  exclusively. 

This  well  was  the  first  in  this  region  and  has  maintained 
a continuous  pressure  of  500  lbs.  when  shut  in. 

The  United  Natural  Gas  Co.  own  24  wells  in  the  Wilcox 
' field,  which  occupies  an  area  of  about  2 miles  square.  No.  1 being 
in  the  southwest  end.  All  are  very  productive  and  some  are 
remarkable  for  unusually  high  pressures,  the  gauge  registering  in 
one  well  900  lbs.  All  exceed  500  lbs.  Very  little  salt  water  is 
produced.  The  gas  exhibits  a decided  oxygen  reaction,  turns 
lime  water  rapidly  milky,  and  has  a strong  odor.  Pipe  lines 
carry  the  gas  from  these  wells  to  Bradford,  Jamestown,  N.  Y. ; 
Ilornellsville,  Salamanca,  Buffalo,  but  the  supply  is  largely  in 
excess  of  the  demand  at  present. 


Determinations  of  (1)  (2)  Mean. 

Carbon  dioxide  0.21  0.20  0.21  per  cent. 

Results  of  Analysis  of  Wilcox  Oas. 


Nitrogen 

Carbon  dioxide . . . 

Oxygen 

Carbon  monoxide, 

Olefines, 

Ammonia, 

Hydrogen 

Paraffins, 


9.41  per  cent. 
0.21 
trace. 

0 

0 

0 ' 

0 

90.38 


100.00 


374.2  cubic  centimeters  of  Wilcox  gas  yield  on  combustion, 

1120.  —0.6022  gm,  corresponding  to  H,  — 0.(i6706  gm3=i23.48  ])er  cent. 
C.  U2  — 0.8014  gm,  corresponding  to  G, — 0, 21856  giii  - 76.52  per  cent. 

100.00 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


531 


Hence  1 liter  paraftins  contains: 

0.G4G‘22  gm  carbon. 

0.19<S28  gm  hydrogen. 

In  the  case  of  the  Wilcox  gas,  an  accideitt  to  some  of  the 
sample  vessels  pi-evented  a second  combustion,  so  that  but  a 
single  result  can  be  presented. 

No.  4. — Kane  Well,  No.  1,  at  Kane,  McKean  Co.  Gas  col- 
lected Jan.  30th  1887. 

The  well  was  drilled  in  1884.  The  pressure  then  was  550 
lbs.  when  shut  in  for  40  minutes.  It  was  allowed  to  blow  off 
for  8 months  and  then  shut  in,  when  the  pressure  increased  to 
630  lbs.  This  gain  in  pressure  has  been  permanent,  up  to 
October,  1886,  when  the  last  test  was  made.  The  Kane  Natural 
Gas  Co.  own  two  other  wells  in  addition  to  this.  The  gas  exhibits 
decided  oxygen  and  carbon  dioxide  reactions. 


Determination  of 

Nitrogen ... 

Carbon  dioxide 


(1) 

(2) 

Mean 

9.67 

9.91 

9.79 

0.20 

0.20 

0.20 

Results  of  Analysis  of  Kane  Oas. 


Nitrogen 9.79  per 

Carbon  dioxide 0.20 

Oxygen trace 

Olefines 0 

Carbon  monoxide 0 

Hydrogen 0 

Ammonia 0 

Paraffins 90.01 


cent 


100.00 


349.03  cubic  centimeters  of  gas  yield  on  combustion. 

HsO.— 0.5600  gm,  corrospoudiug  to  H, — 0. 06236  gm  -23.18  per  cent. 
C.  02—0.7580  gm,  corresponding  to  C, — 0.20672  gm— 76.82  per  cent. 


100.00 


Hence  1 liter  of  the  paraffins  contains : 

0.65801  gm  carbon. 

0.19849  gm  hydrogen. 

248.1  cubic  centimeters  of  the  same  gas  yield  on  combus- 
tion. 


532 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


H2O. — 0.3987  gm,  corresponding  to  H, — 0.04439  gm  -23.28  per  cent. 
C.O2 — 0.5366  gm,  corresponding  to  C, — 0.14634  gm— 76.72  per  cent, 


100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  of  Kane  gas  contain  per  liter: 

0.19883  gm  hydrogen. 

0.65537  gm  carbon. 

The  means  of  these  two  analysis  are  per  liter  of  paraffins. 

0.65669  gm  carbon  = 76.77  per  cent. 

0.19866  gm  hydrogen  = 23.23  per  cent. 


100.00 


No.  5. — Speechley.  This  field  has  been  a remarkably  produc- 
tive one,  as  regards  quantity  and  pressure  of  gas  and  number 
of  wells.  These  wells  are  situated  on  a N.  E.  & S.  W.  line 
about  6 miles  S.  E.  from  Oil  City. 

Tlie  sand  rock  from  which  the  gas  is  obtained  averages  1900 
feet  in  dei)th,  and  is  about  900  feet  below  the  third  oil  sand  of 
Venango  county. 

This  latter  sand  also  pjoduces  gas,  but  in  much  smaller 
quantity,  and  it  is  consequently  cased  off,  so  that  the  gas  in  this 
territory  is  wholly  obtained  from  one  and  the  same  sand  rock. 
The  Northwestern  Gas  Co.  of  Oil  City  has  60  wells,  and  a large 
number  of  wells  are  owned  by  other  companies. 

The  samples  of  gas  for  examination  were  taken  April  13th 
1887,  from  the  high  pressure  main  at  South  Oil  City,  belong- 
ing to  the  Northwesteim  Natural  Gas  Co.  At  this  time  the 
pressure  in  the  main  was  100  lbs. 


This  sauq)le  may  be  considered  to  represent  approximately 
the  average  of  the  gas  from  a large  number  of  wells. 


The  tests  at  the  main 

indie; 

ited  the 

}) resell ce  of  oxygen. 

but  less  of  carbon  dioxide 
McKean  County  gas. 

than 

found 

in  the  Warren  and 

Determinations  of 

(1) 

(2) 

Mean. 

Nitrogen  

, .4.61 

4.41 

4.51  per  cent. 

Carbon  dioxide 

..0.05 

0.05 

0.05 

Hydrogen 

..0.02 

0.02 

0.02 

WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


53J 


E-esults  of  Analysis  of  SpeeclUey  Gas. 


Nitrogen  

Carbon  dioxide.  . 

Hydrogen 

Carbon  monoxide 

Olefines 

Oxygen 

Ammonia 

Paraffins 


4.51  per  cent. 


0.05 

0.02 

0 

0 


trace 

0 

95.42 


100.00 


304.24  cubic  centimeters  Speechley  gas  yield  on  combustion. 

H2O, — 0.5423  gm,  corresponding  to  H, — 0.06039  giu  — 22.93  per  cent. 
C.O2— 0.7441  gm,  corresponding  to  C, — 0.20293  gin  - 77.07  per  cent. 

100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  of  this  gas  contain  per  liter 
0.f59900  gm  carbon 
0.20801  gm  hydrogen. 

In  a second  combustion  of  the  same  gas,  310.52  cubic  cen- 
timeters yield 

H2O,— 0.5500  gm,  corresponding  to  H, — 0.06125  gm ^22.85  per  cent, 

CO2, — 0,7585  gm.  corresponding  to  C, — 0,20686  gin— 77.15  per  cent. 


100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  contain  per  liter: 

0.20G71  gm  Hydrogen. 

0.G9815  gm  Carbon. 

In  a second  combustion  306.28  cubic  centimeters  of  gas 
yield 

H2O,— 0.4818  gm.  corresponding  to  H — 0,05365  gm_  25.02  per  cent. 

CO2, — 0.5895  gm.  corresponding  to  0, — 0.16074  gm  — 74.98  per  cent. 


100.00 


The  mean  of  these  two  results  are  per  liter  of  i)araffins: 

0.G9857  gm  carbon  = 77.11  per  cent. 

0.2073G  gm  hydrogen  = 22.89  per  cent. 


100.00 


No.  6. — Hukill  Well,  on  the  Dick  farm,  Lyons  Run  District, 


534 


THE  COMPOSITION  OP  NATUKAL  GAS 


southern  end  of  the  Mnrrysville  field,  and  one  of  60  wells  belong- 
ing to  the  Philadelphia  Company. 

This  well  was  drilled  in  1883  and  was  allowed  to  blow  off 
for  a long  time.  The  well  is  very  productive  and  has  a pres- 
sure as  it  flows  through  the  main  of  285  lbs. 

The  well  has  extra  heavy  casing  and  there  is  good  reason  to 
suppose  that  the  gas  comes  exclusively  from  the  Murrysville 
sand.  The  sample  was  taken  April  8,  1887. 

The  gas  produces  a deeided  carbon  dioxide  reaction  but 
exhibits  a very  slight  reaction  for  oxygen. 

This  gas  has  a very  faint  odor,  free  from  the  pungent  char- 
acter noticed  among  some  of  the  gas  samples.  The  wells  yields 
no  oil,  but  a very  little  salt  water. 


Determinations  of 

(1) 

(2) 

Mean. 

Nitrogen 

2.13 

1.91 

2.02  per 

cent. 

Carbon  dioxide 

0.26 

0.30 

0.28  per 

cent. 

Results  of  Analysis  of  Murrysville  Gas. 


Nitrogen 2.02 

Carbon  dioxide 0.28 

Oxygen trace 

Carbon  monoxide 0 

Olefines 0 

Ammonia 0 

Hydrogen 0 

Paraffins  97.70 


per  cent 


100.00 


346.94  cubic  centimeters  of  Murrysville  gas  yielded  on  com- 
bustion. 

H2O, — 0.5473  gm.  corresponding  to  H, — 0.06095  gm=r25.0G  per  cent. 

CO2, — 0.6688  gm.  corresponding  to  C, — 0.18224  gm3=:74.94  per  cent. 

100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  in  Murrysville  gas  contain  per  liter: 

0.53763  gm  Carbon. 

0.17981  gm  Hydrogen. 

In  a second  combustion  306.28  cubic  centimeters  of  gas 
yield : 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


535 


1120,-0.4818  j'ln.  correspoiuliiij^  to  053(53  gin  25.02  per  cent. 

COj, — 0.5805  gm.  corresponding  to  C, — 0.16074  gm=:74.08  per  cent. 

100.00 


Ilenco  tire  paraffins  contain  per  liter: 

0.53718  gm  Carbon. 

0.17922  gm  Hydrogen 

The  means  of  above  analyses  are  per  liter  of  paraffins: 
0.53741  gm  Carbon  = 74.96  per  cent. 

0.17950  gm  Hydrogen  = 25.04  per  cent. 


100.00 


The  following  experiments  were  tried  at  the  valve  house 
of  the  Philadelphia  Company,  in  the  rear  of  the  office  building 
on  Penn  Street,  Pittsburg,  beginning  on  March  22d  1887.  A 
Woulfe’s  bottle  containing  200  c.  c.  purified  water,  and  a second 
bottle  containing  cuprous  chloride  were  connected  with  a gas 
meter,  and  gas  allowed  to  stream  slowly  through  them  until  190 
cubic  feet  had  passed.  The  gas  thus  used  comes  directly  from 
the  Murrysville  field.  The  gas  was  passed  very  slowly,  so 
that  3 days  were  occupied  in  the  transmission  of  the  volume 
above  named.  The  water  was  then  tested  for  ammonia  by  Ness- 
ler’s  reagent.  No  trace  could  be  detected,  although  as  is  well 
known  this  reagent  is  capable  of  detecting  1-200000000  part  of 
ammonia  in  w^ater,  with  great  certainty. 

The  cuprous  chloride  was  tested  for  both  olefines  and  carbon 
monoxide  by  the  method  I have  detailed,  but  no  trace  could  be 
detected  of  either. 

The  composition  of  methane  gas  by  weight  is 

Carbon,  74.97  per  cent. 

Hydrogen,  25.03  per  cent. 

100.00 

Hence  this  ITukill  well  produces  gas  approximating  in  com- 
I)Osition  to  pure  methane,  and  in  this  respect  differs  from  all 
those  from  which  samples  have  been  taken.  Tt  may  be  here 
stated  that  at  the  time  the  sample  was  collected  there  was  every 


536 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATUKAL  GAS 


reason  to  believe  that  the  gas  came  exclusively  from  this  one 
well. 

No.  7. — Raccoon  District. 

The  sample  was  taken  May  2d,  1887,  from  the  high-pres- 
sure main  of  the  Bridgewater  Natural  Gas  Co.  at  Rochester,  Pa. 
The  pressure  at  the  time  was  67  lbs. 

The  gas  is  produced  wholly  from  one  sand,  which  is  about 
1200  feet  below  the  surface  on  Raccoon  Creek,  in  Beaver  County 
The  Bridgewater  Company  owns  23  wells  and  supplies  the 
towns  of  Beaver  Falls,  Rochester,  New  Brighton,  Phillipsburg, 
Vanport,  Bridgewater,  New  Sheffield,  Shannopin. 

The  Youngstown  Company  owns  12  wells  in  the  same  region. 
The  gas  is  almost  odorless,  and  the  wells  produce  little  or  no 
salt  water,  and  no  oil. 

On  causing  the  gas  to  bubble  through  lime  water  for  20 
minutes  the  fluid  remained  perfectly  clear.  After  40  minutes 
a rapid  stream  of  gas  caused  the  lime  water  to  become  faintly 
milky,  as  seen  in  a bright  light.  The  proportion  of  carbon  diox- 
ide was  far  too  small  to  allow  an  accurate  eudiometric  deter- 
mination. The  oxygen  reaction  was  faint  but  decided. 

This  gas  on  being  passed  for  one  hour  into  a nitrate  of  silver 
solution  produced  a faint  but  decided  reaction,  indicating  a trace 
of  sulphuretted  hydrogen. 

In  the  statement  below,  the  result  of  the  carbon  dioxide  test 
at  the  main  is  given. 

Determination  of  (1)  (2)  ^ Mean. 

Nitrogen 10.00  9.82  9.91 

Results  of  Analysis  of  Raccoon  Creek  Gas. 

Nitrogen 9.91  per  cent. 

Hydrogen 0 

Carbon  dioxide trace 

Carbon  monoxide 0 

Olefines 0 

Oxygen  trace 

Ammonia 0 

Snlphuretted  hydrogen trace 

Paraffins 90.09 

\ 100.00 

l-:,  , . — j 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


537 


In  a comlmstion  of  Raccoon  Creek  gas  325.48  cubic  centi- 
niotors  yielded : 

H2G, — 0.5108  gm,  corresponding  to  H, — 0.05088  gm-^23.00  per  cent. 

CO2, — 0.0755  gm,  corresponding  to  C, — 0.18422  gm-  70.40  per  cent. 

100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  in  this  gas  contain  per  liter: 

0.C2827  gm  carbon. 

0.19398  gm  hydrogen. 

In  a second  combustion  398.08  cubic  centimeters  gas 
yielded. 

H2O,— 0.0254  gm,  corresponding  to  H, — 0.00904  gm^23.50  per  cent. 
002,-0.8280  gm,  corresponding  to  C,  — 0.22598  gm— 70.44  per  cent. 

100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  contain  per  liter: 

0.63010  gm  carbon. 

0.19418  gm  hydrogen. 

The  means  of  these  two  results  are  j^er  liter  paraffins: 

0.62918  gm  carbon  = 76.42  })ei-  cent. 

0.19408  gm  hydrogen  = 23.58  per  cent. 


100.00 


This  is  the  only  gas  which  contains  traces  of  sulphuretted 
hydrogen  among  those  I have  examined. 

No.  8. — Baden,  six  miles  S.  E.  from  Rochester  on  the  Pitts- 
burg, Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  R.  R.,  Beaver  County.  The 
sampl(\s  were  taken  May  18th  1887,  fi*om  the  Bryan  well  No. 
2,  one  of  the  four  wells  belonging  to  the  Baden  Cas  Co.  flie 
gas  is  produced  wholly  from  one  sand  which  is  1396  fecT  deep, 
or  about  1300  feet  below  the  Ohio  river.  This  well  was  drilled 
in  May,  1886. 

The  Baden  wells  are  on  the  same  anticlinal  axis  as  the  Rac- 
coon Creek  wells.  This  same  axis  continues  northward  a few 
miles  east  of  the  Speechley  wells  near  Oil  City. 

The  gas  exhibits  a decided  carbon  dioxide  and  also  an 
oxygen  reaction. 


538 


THE  COMPOSrnON  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


I 


Deterininatiuns  of  (1)  (2)  ^ Mean. 

Nitrogen 12.26  12.38  12.32  per  cent. 

Carbon  dioxide 0.41  0.41  0.41 

Results  of  Analysis  of  Baden  Gas. 


Nitrogen 

Carbon  dioxide... 

Oxygen  

Hydrogen 

Carbon  monoxide 

Olefines 

Ammonia 

Paraffins 


12.32  per  cent. 
, 0.41 
, trace 
0 
0 
0 
0 

,87.27 


100.00 


317.17  cubic  centimeters  of  Baden  gas  yield  on  combustion: 

H20,--0.4802  gm,  corresponding  to  H,  — 0.05447  gm  — 23.48  per  cent. 

CO2.  - 0.6510  gm,  corresponding  to  C,  0.17754  giu^7G.52  per  cent. 

100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  of  Baden  gas  contain  per  liter: 

0.64142  gm  carbon. 

0.19681  gm  hydrogen. 

In  a second  combustion  332.70  cubic  centimeters  yield: 

H3O,  — 0.5130  gm,  corresponding  to  H,— 0.05712  gm— 23.56  per  cent. 
CO2— 0.6843  gm;  corresponding  to  0,  -0.18663  gm— 76.44  per  cent. 

100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  contain  per  liter: 

0.64276  gm  carbon. 

0.19674  gm  hydrogen 

The  means  of  these  two  results  are  per  liter  paraffins: 

0.64209  gm  carbon  = 76.48  per  cent. 

0.19677  gm  hydrogen  = 23.52  per  cent. 


100.00 


No.  9. — Houston  Well,  Houston  Station,  2 miles  south 
of  Canonsburg,  on  the  Pittsburg,  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis  R.  R. 
Washington  County. 

This  well  is  situated  1-3  mile  west  of  the  station  on  Plum 

Rub. 

It  is  drilled  nearly  through  the  Gantz  sand  and  is  1794 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


f(.*et  (loop.  An  n})])er,  producing  sand  is  found  at  850  feet, 
but  tliis  is  cased  off  so  that  the  well  may  be  considered  to  yield 
gas  from  the  Gantz  sand  exclusively. 

The  gas  from  the  upper  sand  is  said  by  well  superintend- 
ents to  burn  with  a whiter  but  more  sooty  flame  than  that  from 
the  greater  depth. 

According  to  the  statements  generally  heard  at  the  wells, 
the  occurrence  of  an  upper,  less  productive  gas  sand,  yielding 
gas  of  greater  illuminating  power,  is  a very  common  feature 
in  the  many  gas  fields.  The  sample  was  collected  on  March 
18,  1887. 

The  gas  exhibits  an  oxygen  reaction  and  causes  a rapid 
precipitation  in  lime  water. 


Determination  of 

(1) 

(2) 

Mean 

Nitrogen 

.15.23 

15.37 

15.30  per 

cent. 

Carbon  dioxide 

. 0.42 

0.46 

0.44  per 

cent. 

Results  of  A7ialysis  of  Houston  Gas. 

Nitrogen 

,.15.30  per 

cent. 

Carbon  dioxide 

. 0.44 

Oxygen  

. trace 

Olefines 

0 

Carbon  monoxide 

0 

Aramoyia 

. trace 

Hydrogen 

0 

Paraffins  

100.00 

310.20  cubic  centimeters  of  Houston  gas  yielded  on  com- 
bustion 

H2O, — 0.4601  gm,  corresponding  to  H,  - 0.05124  gm=23.20  per  cent. 
CO2,— 0.6217  gm,  corresponding  to.O, — 0.16955  gm— 76.80  per  cent. 


100.00 


Hence  the  paraffins  contain  per  liter: 

0.04871  gm  carbon. 

0.19002  gm  hydrogen. 

In  a second  combustion  293.35  cubic  centimeters  yielded: 

H2O,— 0.4392  gm,  corresponding  to  H,-  0.04891  gm=23.44  per  cent. 
CO2,— 0.5855  gm,  corresponding  to  0,-0.15968  gmi:^76.56  per  cent. 


100.00 


540 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATUKAL  GAS 


Hence  the  paraffins  contain  per  liter: 

0.64004  gm  carbon 
0.19786  o‘m  hydrogen. 

The  means  of  these  two  analyses  are  per  liter  of  paraffins : 

0.64737  gm  carbon  = 76.68  per  cent. 

0.19694  gm  hydrogen  = 23.32  per  cent. 


100.00 


The  analyses  above  detailed  were  carried  out  with  great 
care,  and  every  known  precaution  observed  in  order  to  secure 
accuracy. 

The  results  represent  the  character  of  the  gas  from  par- 
ticular wells  or  groups  of  wells,  scattered  over  a large  region, 
and  as  it  flowed  from  the  wells  on  a single  day. 

It  is  questionable  whether  they  can  be  considered  to  repre- 
sent the  average  comj)osition  of  natural  gas,  for  the  reason  that 
the  gas  territory  is  so  vast  in  extent. 

According  to  the  above  results  natural  gas  is  not  so  com- 
plex a substance  as  has  been  heretofore  supposed. 

The  samples  examined  may  be  said  to  consist  m^iinly  of  the 
hydro-carbons  of  the  paraffin  series,  among  which  methane  pre- 
dominates. 

It  is  to  these  bodies  that  the  fuel  value  of  the  gas  is  due. 

Inasmuch  as  the  mo^t  of  the  gas  conveyed  through  inpe  lines, 
deposits  little  or  no  liquid  hydro-carbons,  it  is  evident  that  the 
higher  paraffins  are  not  present  in  notable  quantity. 

The  method  I have  used  in  testing  for  the  hydro-carbons 
of  the  olefine  series  enables  me  to  state  with  much  confidence 
that  these  bodies, — ethylene,  pi'opylene,  butylene,  etc.,  are 
absent.  Hydrogen  I have  found  in  Speechley  gas  alone, 
although  the  utmost  care  has  been  taken  in  the  examinatiom. 

Perhaps  still  smaller  (juantities  may  have  escaped  detection 
in  oth(‘r  gas  samples. 

Sulidiuretted  hydrogen  was  found  only  in  Raccoon  Creek 
but  in  faint  traces. 

Oxygen  is  present  in  all,  but  in  such  small  quantities  that 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


541 


T have  novel*  sneeei'ded  in  acciirateiy  determining  its  real  per- 
centage. 

As  nearly  as  I e:ui  estimate,  the  Wilcox  contains  more  oxygen 
than  any  other,  and  Mnri'ysville  the  least. 

Ammonia  was  found,  in  traces  oidy,  in  Houston  gas.  Car- 
bonic oxide  was  not  found  in  any  of  the  samples. 

A comparison  of  the  results  in  the  accompanying  table  shows 
that  the  different  gas  samples  differ  mainly  in  the  following  par- 
ticulars. 

1.  — ddie  i)roportion  of  carbon  to  hydrogen  in  the  contained 
paraffins — that  is  to  say  the  ratio  of  the  lower  to  the  high’er 
paraffins.  Fredonia  is  seen  to  be  the  richest  gas  in  carbon. 

2.  — The  proportion  of  nitrogen,  which  varies  between  2.02% 
and  15.30%.  The  three  gas  fields,  Speechley,  Baden  and  Rac- 
coon Creek  ai^proximately  on  the  same  anticlinal  (according  to 
Mr.  I.  C.  White)  produce  gas  having  very  different  quan- 
tities of  nitrogen. 

The  rescmiblarice  between  Fredonia,  Sheffield,  Kane,  Wil- 
cox and  Raccoon  Creek  gas  as  regards  the  proportion  of  nitro- 
gen is  a matter  of  interest,  although  not  explainable. 

In  the  case  of  Murrysville,  Speechley  and  Fredonia  gas,  the 
density,  richness  in  carbon,  and  calorific  jiower  of  the  contained 
paraffins  are  inversely  as  the  ])roportion  of  nitrogen.  It  is  a 
curious  fact  that  theri^  is  a certain  continuity  as  regards  compos- 
ition in  the  case  of  the  Fredonia,  Kane,  SluTfield  and  Wilcox 
gases, 'which  disapjiears  on  reaching  the  Speechley  field,  in  pro- 
ceeding southward.  South  of  Speechley  much  greater  ditfer- 
ences  occur. 

3.  — 3310  cai'hon  dioxide,  which  varies  within  very  narrow 
limits.  The  only  gas  in  which  it  almost  disai)i)ears  is  that  from 
Raccoon  Creek  although  Speechley  gas  contains  barely  more 
than  a trace. 


542 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


CONSTITUENTS 

-Sheffield 

0) 

Cl 

oi 

4 

- - eechley 

Murrysville 

Lyon’s  Run,  near 

...Raccoon  Creek 

- aden  , 

i 

I 

I 

■ 1 

Nitrogen 

9.54 

9.06 

9.79 

9.41 

4.51 

.02 

9.91 

12..32 

15.30 

Carbon  dioxide.— 

0. 41 

0.3o| 

0.20 

0.21 

0.05 

0.20 

trace 

0.41 

0.44 

Hydrogen 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Ammonia 

0 

n 

! 0 

0 

0 

n 

fi 

trace 

Oxygen 

trace 

trace 

trace 

1 ^ 
trace 

trace 

trace 

trace  trace 

ti-ace 

Sulphuretted  hydrogen 

0 

0 

1 

I 0 

0 

0 

trace 

0 

0 

Paraffins 

90.05 

90.64 

90.01 

! 90.38 

9.5.42 

97.70 

90.09 

' 87.27 

1 

84.26 

100.00 

100.00 

100^ 

100.00 

10^ 

looToo 

100.00 

10  .00 

100.00 

The  paraffins  contained 

in  these  gas  samples 

have  the  following  com- 

1 

position  Uy  weight. 

Carbon  

78.14 

76.69 

76.77 

76.52 

77.11 

74.96 

76.42! 

76.48 

76.68 

Hydrogen 

21.86 

23.31 

3.23 

23.48 

22.89 

25.04 

23.58' 

23.52 

23.32 

100.00 

IOOAj 

1 

00.00 

Too.oo 

100.00 

itoioo 

iOO.W) 

1 

100.00 

100. 00 

At  Oil  City  a sand  is  found  582  feet  below  low-water  mark 
in  the  Allegheny  River^  which  produces  gas  of  lower  pressure, 
amounting,  it  is  s^id,  to  20  lbs.  when  shut  in  for  some  time. 
This  gas  is  used  in  the  Oil  Well  Supply  Co.’s  works  for  heating 
purposes.  It  bears  the  same  relation  to  the  Speechley  gas 
sand — 1900  feet  deep — as  the  shallow  gas  sands  usually  to  the 
the  deeper,  and  more  productive  sand  rocks. 

A determination  of  the  nitrogen  in  the  gas  from  this  upper 
rock  gave  5.62  per  cent.  Speechley  gas  contains  4.51  per  cent. 
The  sample  was  collected  on  April  13th,  the  day  on  which  the 
Speechley  samples  were  taken. 

The  Speechley  gas  wells  are  six  miles  distant  from  this  well. 
Tests  for  hydrogen,  olefines,  carbon  monoxide  and  dioxide  and 
ammonia  in  this  gas  all  led  to  negative  results. 

Calcidation  of  the  Fuel  Value  of  Natural  Gas. 

The  calorific  power  of  any  combustible  may  be  determined 
by  measuring  the  number  of  kilograms  of  water  heated  from 
0°  to  1°  C.  by  1 kilo  of  the  fuel  in  burning,  or  by  a calculation. 


WEST  VIHGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


543 


The  difficulties  and  inconveniences  encountered  in  the  first 
method  necessitate  commonly  a resort  to  the  second. 

Pure  charcoal  in  burning  produces,  according  to  the 
researches  of  Pavre  & Silberniann  (in  1849),  8080  heat  units, 
or  1 kilo  in  burning  will  raise  the  temperature  of  8080  kilos  of 
water  from  0°  to  1°  C. 

By  the  same  authors  it  was  found  that  1 kilo  of  hydrogen 
in  burning  generates  a quantity  of  heat  sufficient  to  warm  34462 
kilos  of  water  from  0°  to  1°  C. — tlMt  is  34462  heat  units.  Later 
determinations  have  been  made  by  various  authors,  the  most  im- 
portant by  'ftiomsen,  who  found  34180  (Berichte  der  Deutschen 
chemischen  Gesellschaft,  1873,  p.  1533),  and  by  Berthelot  who 
obtained  the  number  34600,  (Comptes  Rendus,  1880  p.  1240). 
The  value  assigned  by  Thomsen,  viz : 34180,  is  probably  the  more 
correct. 

• If  it  were  possible  that  a fuel  should  contain  pure  hydro- 
gen and  charcoal,  uncomhincd,  a calculation  of  its  heating  power 
would  lead  to  very  correct  results.  It  is  found,  however,  that 
when  a compound  of  carbon  and  hydrogen  is  burned,  the  number 
of  heat  units  produced  will  not  ecpial  the  number  obtained  when 
the  same  cpiahtities  of  carbon  and  hydrogen  are  burned  sep- 
arately. 

Thus  a kilo  of  methane  i)roduces  13270.5  heat  units,  but  if 
the  same  quantities  of  carbon  (as  charcoal)  and  hydrogen  were 
burned  separately  in  a calorimeter,  14613  heat  units  result  (as- 
suming that  the  carbon  produces  8080,  and  the  hydrogen  34180 
heat  units  per  kilo  burned). 

The  difference  between  the  calculated  amount  of  heat, 
and,  the  actually  available  heat — 14613 — 13270=1343  heat  units 
is  9.19  per  cent,  of  the  theoretical  yield.  For  practical  appli- 
cations this  is  a loss  of  heat,  which  must  be  considered  to  repre- 
sent the  quantity  of  energy  required  to  overcome  the  mutual 
affinity  of  the  carbon  and  hydrogen  which  are  to  be  first  sepa- 
rated, before  they  are  burned  to  carbon  dioxide  and  water. 

With  more  complex  compounds  the  available  lieiit  of  com- 
bustion does  not  fall  so  far  short  of  the  theoretical  maximum, 


544 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATUEAL  GAS 


and  it  may  be  stated  in  a general  way  that  the  greater  the  num- 
ber of  carl)()n  atoms  in  the  compound,  the  more  closely  will  the 
available  and  actual  number  of  heat  units  coincide.  This  state- 
ment is  especially  true  of  certain  series  of  hydro  carbons.  The 
following  table  (II)  will  serve  to  illustrate  this  in  the  case 
of  the  first  three  members  of  the  paraffin  series.  For  the  higher 
paraffins  no  determinations  have  yet  been  made. 

TABLE  II.  Showing  ratio  of  available  to  calculated  heat 
of  combustion  in  the  case  of  certain  hydrocarbons. 


NAME 

SYMBOL 

Calculated  heat 
units,  assuming’ 
that  the  carbon 
a 11  d hydrogen 
produce  the  max- 
imum of  heat, 
and  are  burned 
separately.  Per 
kilo  of  paraffin. 

Available  heat 
as  determined 
by  calorimetric 
measure  ment. 
Per  kilo  of  par- 
affin. 

Percentage  o f 
available  on  the- 
o^tical  maxi- 

iiram  of  heat 
units. 

Methane 

C H4 

14613 

13270 

90.81 

Ethane 

C2 

13310 

12373 

92.95 

Propane 

C3  Hs 

12835 

12052 

93.89 

It  has  been  shown  by  Thomsen  that  isomeric  hydro  carbons, 
or  those  which  differ  in  properties,  although  having  identical  com- 
position may  produce  different  quantities  of  heat  when  burned, 
thus : 


Propylen 

Trimethylene 


Difference 


Symbol 

Heat  Units 

-C^Hr, 

11757 

-Gsl-U 

10917 

840 

The  chemical  formulas  given  show  them  to  have  the  same 
composition,  and  yet  these  hydrocarbons  would  be  represented 
by  different  values  if  used  as  fuels. 

The  presence  of  isomers  among  the  hydro  carbons  of  natural 
gas  would  tend  to  interfere  with  the  correctness  of  a calculation 
of  its  fuel  value. 

No  isomers  ajui  knowiTin  the  case  of  methane  (CII44). 

Berth(‘lot  has  stated  that  a second  hydro  carbon  isomeric 
with  ethane  (CoHJ  exists,  which  produces  on  burning  12776 
heat  units,  instead  of  12378,  the  number  as  determined  by  Thom- 


sen. 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SmiVEY 


545 


Thomsen’s  rt^searches  have  disi)rov©<I  this  assertion,  how- 
('ver,  and  have  shown  conclusively  that  ethane  produced  in  a 
variety  of  ways  invariably  possesses  th(‘  same  calorific  powef. 
(Berichte  der  Deutschen  chemischen  Ccsellschaft  1881,  p.  500). 
Isomers  of  the  higher  paraffins  no  doubt  occur  in  gas,  as  well  as 
in  petroleum,  but  when  it  is  considered  that  in  gas  the  higher 
paraffins  occur  only  in  small  quantity,  and  moreover  tiiat  the 
calculated  and  the  available  calorific  power  differ  much  less  in 
these  higher  members  than  in  methane  and  ethane,  the  danger  of 
error  from  the  presence  of  such  isomers  cannot  be  consklered 
likely  to  affect  the  calculated  results. 

The  calorific  power  of  methane  was  determined  by  Andrews 
in  1848  as  13108  heat  units  (Philosophical  Magazine  1848  p. 
321),  and  by  Favre  and  Silbermann  in  1853  as  13063  heat  units. 

In  1880  Thomsen  assigned  it  the  value  of  13345.6  and  this 
numb(U’  agrees  closely  with  tiiat  obtained  by  Berthelot  in  the 
same  year  viz:  13343.8.  More  recently  Thomsen  has  corrected 
his  former  result  and  now  gives  13270.5  as  the  most  probable 
number.  (Berthelot,  Comptes  Rendus,  1880  p.  1240.  Thom- 
sen, Berichte  der  Deutschen  Cheraischen  Gesellschaft  1880  p. 
959  and  1321  Ref.  and  1886  p.  77  Ref.) 

The  elaborate  researches  of  Julius  Thomsen  in  thermo- 
chemistry, (Therniochemische  Untersuchangen,  Leipzig)  have 
reached  the  fourth  of  a series  of  large  volumes  and  although 
designed  i)rimarily  as  a contribution  to  theoretical  chemistry, 
tlK^y  supply  data  likely  to  prove  of  great  value  in  the  study  of 
fuels  for  metallurgical  and  other  technical  iniiqrosas. 

The  actual  calorific  power  of  a gas  fuel  may  now,  by  the 
use  of  such  data,  be  more  satisfactorily  determirred  by  calcu- 
lation, provided  its  compositioir  is  krrowrr,  than  by  the  use  of 
a calorimeter.  In  this  respect  there  is  atr  irrrportant  difference 
between  gas  fuels  arrd  various  kirrds  of  coal.  Coal  being  a com- 
pound of  car-bon,  hydrogerr  and  oxygerr,  of  a highly  complex 
character,  or  possibly  a nrixture  of  such  compounds,  no  such 
plainly  definable  relationship  exists  between  the  theoretical 
maxinrurn  arrd  the  available  heat  (piantily  per  urrit  weight  burnt. 


646 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


The  percentage  composition  by  weight  of  the  paraffins  likely 
to  occur  in  natural  gas  is  expressed  in  the  following  table.  Small 
quantities  of  condensable  \xipors  of  the  higher  paraffins  occur  in 
the  gas  in  some  places  as  is  evidenced  by  the  condensation  of 
benzene  in  pipes.  These  heavier  ; ipors  occur  usually  in  very 
minute  quantity,  if  at  all : 

TABLE  III.  Showing  the  Composition  by  weight  of  some 
of  the  Lower  Paraffins.. 


NAME 

^ Symbol 

Per  cent. 
Carbon. 

Per  cent. 

1 Hydrogen. 

! Methane 

i 

C H4 

74.97 

25.03 

Ethane 

! C2H6 

79.96 

20.04 

Propane 

j C3H8 

81.78 

18.22 

Butane 

C4  H40 

82.72 

17.28 

Pentane  . 

C5  Hi2 

83.29 

16.71 

The  analyses  of  natura-l  gas  above  detailed  show  a variation 
in  the  proportion  of  carbon  and  hydrogen  in  the  case  of  the  two 
extremes  of  3.18  per  cent.,  thus: 

The  paraffins  in  Murrysville  gas  contain — 


Cartjon 74.96  per  cent,  by  weight. 

Hydrogen 25.04  per  cent,  by  weight. 


100.00 

And  in  the  case  of  Predonia  gas — 


Carbon 78.14  per  cent,  by  weight. 

Hydrogen 21.86  per  cent,  by  woight. 


100.00 

From  the  tabular  statement  of  the  composition  of  the  lower 
paraffins,  it  appears  that  Murrysville  gas,  as  obtained  at  the 
Ilukill  well,  has  nearly  the  composition  of  metliane,  while  dis- 
regarding again  the  nitrogen  and  carbon  dioxide  present,  the 
Fredonia  gas,  the  richest  in  carbon,  approximates  in  composi- 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


517 


tioii  to  a mixture  ot'  ecjual  volumes  of  methane  and  ethane,  of 
whicli  the  actual  comi)osition  would  be,  by  weight : 

Carbon  78.22  per  cent. 

Hydrogen 21.78  per  cent. 

100.00 

By  this  I do  not  imply  that  it  actually  contains  these  two 
paraffins  in  the  proportion  named,  for  it  is  possible  that  the  gas 
in  question  contains  more  methane  and  a very  small  quantity 
of  some  one  of  the  higher  paraffins,  proiiane  or  quartane,  etc. 

As  I have  stated  in  regard  to  the  analyses,  the  exact  deter- 
mination of  the  percentage  of  individual  paraffins  is  a matter  of 
such  extreme  difficulty,  that  it  may  be  considered  practically 
impossible.  ' 

If  we  assume  that  Fredonia  gas  really  contains  equal 
volumes  of  methane  and  ethane,  and  calculate  its  calorific  power 
accordingly,  the  following  error  may  be  committed.  The  gas  may 
contain  a larger  amount  of  methane  than  was  assumed,  and  con- 
se(iuently  a very  small  quantity  of  ({uartane  or  pentane,  for 
although  the  percentage  of  carbon  and  hydrogen  is  definitely 
fixed  by  the  analysis,  it  is  still  a question  as  to  the  arrangement 
of  the  carbon  and  hydrogen  in  the  form  of  higher  vr  lower 
paraffins. 

As  the  difference  between  the  available  and  the  theoretical 
heat  of  combustion  is  greater  in  the  case  of  methane  and  less 
in  the  higher  paraffins,  an  under  estimate  of  the  quantity  of 
methane  would  lead  to  too  high  a value  for  the  available  heat  of 
combustion.  On  the  other  hand,  an  under  estimate  of  the  pro- 
portion of  the  higher  paraffins,  would  cause  the  available  heat 
as  expressed  in  heat  units  to  be  rated  too  low,  sui)posing  that  in 
both  cases  the  absolute  quantities  of  carbon  and  hydrogen  remain 
constantly  the  same. 

This  error  would  be  small  in  most  instances,  but  in  the  ex- 
treme case  of  two  gases  consisting  of  methane  and  ethane  re- 
spectively, the  error  from  this  source  would  exceed  1%.  I 
have  attempted  to  correct  this  error,  as  will  be  shown  below. 
The  curious  and  intimate  rehitionsliips  of  the  paraffins  are  well 


548 


THE  COMPOSITION  OP  NATtlllAL  GAS 


illustrated  by  the  fact  that  a mixture  of  oiae  cubic  meter  each  of 
methane,  ethane  and  pT*oj)ane  will  contain  the  same  proportions 
of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  and  will  conse(piently  yield  the  same 
([uantities  on  burning  of  CO2  and  HoO  as  three  cubic  meters  of 


the  intermediate  hydro-carbon,  eth  ne, — 

1 cubic  meter  of  methaiae  weighs  0.711  ' kilo,  and  generates  heat 

units  9485 

1 cubic  meter  of  ethane  weighs  1.34016  kilo,  and  generates  heat 

units  16582 

1 cubic  meter  propane  weighs  1.9656  kilos,  and  generates  heat 
units 23688 


49755 

3 cubic  meters  of  ethane  generate  on  burning  heat  units 49746 


9 

The  numbers  expressing  the  heat  produced  are  obtained  by 
multiplying  the  weight  of  the  cubic  meter  by  13270,  12373  and 
12052,  respectively,  as  given  in  table  II. 

The  difference  is  so  slight — amounting  to  only  9 heat  units, 
that  it  is  evident  it  would  have  been  sufficiently  accurate  to 
assume  this  mixture  of  three  hydro-carbons  to  consist  of  the 
intermediate  member  of  ethane  in  so  far  as  the  calculation  of  the 
fuel  value  is  concerned. 

Or  it  may  be  more  broadly  wtated,  that,  with  a view  to  the 
calculation  of  the  caloidfic  power  of  natural  gas,  it  is  sufficiently 
accurate  to  assume  that  a natural  gas  (containing  no  hydro-car- 
bons of  the  olefine  series)  has  the  simplest  constitution  consistent 
with  its  percentage  by  weight  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  and  then 
to  determine  its  fuel  value  accordingly. 

Fredonia  gas,  as  shown  in  the  table  of  analyses,  consists  of 
90.05%  of  paraffins,  together  with  9.54%  nitrogen  and  0.41% 
carbon  dioxide.  The  paraffins  consist  of  0.80423  kilo  carbon  and 
0.22494  kilo  hydrogen  i)er  cubic  meter. 

The  theoretical  maximum  of  heat  units  for  these  paraffins 
is  calculated  as  follows,  per  cubic  meter; 


WEST  VIUGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


519 


0.80406X8080  6407 

0.‘22J94X  31180  7288 


13785 

When  burns,  only  90.81%  of  the  theoretical  heat  is 
available.  When  CoH,;  burns,  92.95%  can  be  utilized. 

lienee  if  Fredonia  gas  is  to  be  looked  upon  as  a mixture  of 
equal  volumes  of  the  two  hydro-carbons  methane  and  ethane,  it 
will  contain  about  1 and  1.87  parts  by  weight  respectively,  (or  ap- 
proximately two  parts  by  weight)  of  methane  and  ethane. 

The  available  heat  of  combustion  can  be  determined  by 
multiplying  the  theoretical  maximum  by  a factor  which  is  inter- 
mediate between  90.81-100  and  92.95-100,  and  as  a very  close 
approximation  the  fraction 

2 Et+Mt 
3X100 

will,  I think,  be  sufficiently  accurate.  In  this  Et.=  the  percent- 
age of  available  on  theoretical  maxinnim  heat,  for  ethane  and 
Mt.=  the  same  ratio  for  Methane. 

Substituting  in  this  fraction 

2X0.9^05+0.0081 
r^.0224. 

3 

The  theoretical  maximum  heat  of  combustion  of  the  Fre- 
donia gas,  as  calculated  above,  is  13785  heat  units  per  cubic 
meter  of  contained  ])araffins. 

Then  13785  X 0.9224  = 12715  as  the  available  heat  units 
due  to  the  paraffins  in  the  gas.  As  there  are  90.05%  of  paraf- 
fins, the  remainder,  consisting  of  nitrogen  and  carbon  dioxide, 
the  above  number  will  be  still  further  reduced,  and  12715  X 
0.9005  = 11450,“the  available  heat  produced,  by  one  cubic  meter 
of  Fredonia  gas. 

In  the  case  of  the  gas  from  Sheffield,  Kane,  Wilcox,  Rac- 
coon Creek,  Baden  and  Houston,  there  is  a general  similarity 
as  regards  the  percentage  of  carbon  and  hydrogen.  Wilcox 
gas  may  be  regarded  as  representing  approximately  the  average, 


550 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATU-KAL  GAS 


011(1  as  a calculation  shows  that  a mixture  of  4 volumes  methane 
and  1 volume  ethane,  contains  carbon  76.54  and  hydrogen  23.46, 
we  may,  for  the  purpose  of  the  present  calculation,  assume  that 
the  above  mentioned  six  gases  contain  approximately  these  pro- 
portions of  the  two  named  paraffins.  For  such  a mixture,  a fac- 
tor by  which  to  obtain  the  available  calorific  value  will  be 

2 Mt-f  Et 

=^0.9153. 

3X100 

This  factor  has  accordingly  been  used  in  the  case  of  the 
above  named  gases.  Speechley  gas  may  be  considered  to  contain 
5 volumes  of  Metlupie  and  2 volumes  of  Ethane  for  the  pur- 
pose of  the  present  calculation,  and  the  factor  will  be 

3 Et-f  4 Mt 

=0.9173. 

7X  100 

IMurrysville  gas  contains  nearly  pure  methane,  and  conse- 
quently the  factor  will  be  90.81. 

It  is  not  implied  in  the  above  considerations  that  the  actual 
proi)ortions  of  what  may  be  regarded  as  the  most  commonly 
occurring  paraffins — CH^,  CgHe,  CaHg,  etc.,  can  be  accurately 
stated,  for  this  I believe  k)  be  impossible.  These  proportions  have 
been  assumed  as  not  inconsistent  with  the  analytical  data,  merely 
for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  an  approximately  correct  value  for 
the  factor  to  be  used  in  the  calculation  of  the  calorific  power  of 
the  gas.  The  following  table  (IV)  contains  the  results  of  the 
calculations  carried  out  as  explained.  Column  No.  2 in  this 
table  expresses  the  quantities  of  carbon  and  hydrogen  contained 
in  one  cubic  meter  of  the  paraffins  in  each  gas.  In  Column  No. 
3,  are  given  the  factors,  the  derivation  and  use  of  which  have 
already  been  pointed  out: 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


551 


TABLE  IV. —Fuel  Values  of  Natural  Gas. 


GAS  FIELD. 

Wei^fht  in  Kilo- 
g-ranis  per  cubic 
meter  of  paraf- 
j tins. 

Factor  . 

Available  heat  units  per 
|Cubic  meter  of  gas 

o — 

S-® 

O S' 

Pounds  of  w 
point  evapoi 
ic  feet  of  ga 

' 

Pounds  of  pure  charcoal, 
icqual  in  heating  effect  to  lOOj 
cubic  feet  by  gas 1 

Carbon 

Hydrog-en 

c 

CO 

a \ 

* 1 

5 1 

1 

’^ater  at  boiling- 
rated by  100  cub- 
,s 

Fredonia 

0.80406 

0.22492 

0.9224 

11449 

32421! 

133.30 

8.845 

Sheffield 

0.65526 

0 19924 

0.9152 

10040 

28430 ! 

116.89 

7.756 

Kane 

0.6r>{)69 

0.198C)6 

0.9152 

10354 

29319 

120.54 

7.999 

Wilcox 

0.64622 

0.19828 

0.9152 

9925 

28102 

115.54 

7.667 

Speechley 

0.69857 

0.20736 

0.9173 

11144 

81554 

129.73 

8.609 

Lyon’s  Run,  near 

1 

Murrysville 

0.53741 

0.17950 

0 9081 

9296 

26:121 

i 108.22 

7.181 

Raccoon  Creek 

0.62918 

0.19408 

0.91.52 

9661 

27355 

' 112.47 

7.463 

Baden 

0.64209 

0.19677 

0.9152 

9515 

26941 

! 110.77 

7.350 

Houston 

0.64737 

0.19694 

0.9152 

9224 

1 

26119 

107  .38 

7.126 

1 

This  factor  is  a fraction.  Its  numerator  represents  the 
actual  number  of  heat  units  j)roduced  in  the  burning  of  the  unit 
weight  of  the  total  paraffins,  from  a consideration  of  the  per- 
centage of  carbon  and  hydrogen  in  the  gas.  The  denominator 
represents  the  num})er  heat  units  oldained  when  the  quan- 
tities of  contained  carbon  and  hydrogen  are  multiplied  by  the 
numbers  8080  and  34,180  respectively,  and  the  products  added. 

ColuTnn  No.  4 gives  the  actual  fuel  value  of  each  gas  ex- 
pressed in  heat  units  per  cubic  meter.  These  numbers  represent 
the  heat  of  combustion  calculated  for  the  carbon  and  hydrogen 
separately,  these  two  added  together,  and  their  sum  multiplied  by 
the  corresponding  factor  in  column  No.  3. 

The' numbers  in  column  No.  5 indicate  kilograms  of  water 
which  can  be  warmed  from  0°  to  1°  C,  when  100  cubic  feet  of  the 
respective  gas  measured  at  0°  C.  and  under  a barometric  pressure 
of  76  centimeters,  is  burned  at  an  initial  temperature  of  18°  C,  or 
64.4°  F;  (this  last  is  the  temperature  assumed  by  Thomsen  in 


552 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


his  detci'ininatioiis,)  and  assuming  that  the  products  of  combus- 
tion arc  licpiid  water  and  gaseous  carbon  dioxide. 

In  column  G are  stated  the  number  of  pounds  avoirdupois  of 
water  whi(*h,  theoretically  should  be  boiled  away  at  100°  C.  into 
steam  at  the  same  temperature,  and  under  atmospheric  pressure, 
when  100  cubic  feet  of  gas  are  burned.  The  latent  heat  of  evap- 
oration of  water  in  this  calculation  has  been  assumed  as  536.2 
heat  units.  (Berthelot,  Comptes  Rendus,  1877,  p.  646.) 

In  the  seventh  column  a comparison  is  given  between  gas 
and  pure  charcoal,  assumed  free  from  ash.* 

Charcoal  has  l)een  chosen  rathoi’  than  coke  or  coal,  for  the 
reason  that  exact  calorimetric  data  as  to  the  latter  fuels  are  as 
yet  difficult  to  obtain,  and  calculated  values  are  uncertain. 

An  impression  prevails,  based  partly  upon  analytical  data 
and  partly  upon  a sujpposed  variation  in  the  steam  producing 
power,  that  natural  gas  is  subject  to  constant  fluctuations  in  com- 
position. To  what  extent  such  fluctuations  are  liable  to  affect  the 
value  of  the  results  of  the  above  calculations,  I am  wholly  unable 
to  state. 

In  conclusion  I have  to  express  my  indebtedness  for  informa- 
tion a.nd  for  facilities  in  conducting  tests  and  examinations  at 
wells  to  the  following  gentlemen : klr.  K.  Chickering,  of  the  Oil 
Well  Supply  Co.,  Oil  City;  Mr.  W.  C.  Henry  of  the  United  Nat- 
ural Gas  Co.,  Wilcox;  Mr.  Walter  Horton  and  Mr.  John  McNair, 
of  Sheffield ; Mr.  J.  D.  Bruder,  of  Kane ; Mr.  E.  J.  Crissey,  of 
Fredonia ; Mr.  T.  F.  Gayley,  of  Rochester,  and  to  the  officers 
of  the  Philadeli)hia  Gas  Co.,  the  Baden  Gas  Co.  and  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Gas  Co.  of  Pittsburg,  and  to  many  others. 

These  results  of  Prof.  Phillips  show  a larger  proportion  of 
Nitrogen  than  that  obtained  by  chemists  in  more  recent  analyses, 
and  in  order  to  get  comparative  data,  a series  of  careful  analyses 


*As  already  stated  the  l^eat  imit  employed  in  the  above  calcula- 
tions is  the  quantity  of  heat  required  to  warm  one  kilogram  of  water 
from  0°  to  1°  C 

The  plan  of  statement  of  results  I have  ado})ted  will  render  it 
an  easy  matter,  however,  to  substitu<te  any  other  units  or  calorimetric 
values. 


WEST  VIRGI^^IA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


553 


have  been  made  (‘roni  sever*al  soni'ces  in  the  hil)()ratory  of  the 
West  Viri’-inia  A^,ricnltni*al  Experiment  Station.  These  analy- 
st's were  very  cai’t'fnlly  made  under  the  direction  of  Prof  B,  H. 
Hite,  the  Chief  Chemist  of  the  Survey,  by  Prof.  C.  D.  Howard, 
Associate  Chemist  of  the  West  Virginia^^Agricultural  Experiment 
Station.  ' 

IMorgantown  is  supplied  with  gas  by  direct  lines  from  the 
wells  to  the  city  operated  under  the  jiatural  pressure  from  the 
gas  itself,  or  what  is  called  the  rock  pressure  (originally  550 
pounds  to  the  square  inch,  but  now  reduced  to  about  250.  The  gas 
is  all  derived  from  the  Big  Injun  Sand,  and  as  it  comes  direct 
from  the  wells  through  closed  pipes  to  the  Laboratory,  there  is  no 
chance  for  contamination,  and  since  the  greatest  care  was  exer- 
cised in  the  analysis  by  a very  skillful  chemist,  the  results  in  this 
case  might  be  said  to  foian  a standard  for  comparison  with  other 
analyses.  The  fact  that  this  one  differs  but  slightly  from  that 
of  the  other  sami)les  which  were  transported  to  the  Laboratory 
in  properly  closed  botth's,  gives  much  confidence  in  all  of  the  re- 
sults, and  hence  the  composition  here  shown  may  be  regarded  as 
an  average  for  West  Virginia  Natural  Gas. 

The  inter*('sting  and  explanatory  letter  of  Dr.  Howard,  trans- 
mitting his  analyses,  and  the  tabulated  analyses  themselves  are 
here  given  as  follows : 

'‘Morgantown,  June  30,  1904. 

Dr.  I.  C.  White, 

State  Geologist. 

Dear  Sir: 

Enclosed  ai*(‘  the  analyses  of  natural  gas  from  six  different 
sources,  viz. : Morgantown  siq)p]y,  Fairmont  supply,  Shinnston 
supi)ly,  (Gordon  sand).  Big  Injun  well.  Fifth  sand  well  and 
Fifty-foot  Sand  well  at  Shinnston. 

Considerable  time  and  thought  has  been  given  to  this  work 
and  a great  many  analyses  made.  In  view  of  the  large  proportion 
of  paraffine  hydrocai'bons  and  the  very  small  proportion  of  other 
constituents  i)r(‘S(‘nt,  the  accurate  analysis  of  these  gases  was 
found  to  be  no  simple  matter.  Even  with  all  the  precautions  that 


551 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATURAL  GAS 


could  ])c  o])served,  with  the  apparatus  and  means  at  hand,  it  was 
found  to  be  utterly  inipi*acticable  to  attempt  making  burette  read- 
ings closer  than  0.1%. 

Carbon  dioxide.  This  constituent  was  found  to  be  almost  en- 
tirely lacking  in  the  gases  examined.  Special  determinations  by 
barium  hydrate  on  large  volumes  of  the  Morgantown  gas  gave  a 
mean  of  only  0.006%,  which  was  less  than  the  atmosphere  of  the 
laboratory  contained  at  the  time  test  was  made. 

Carbon  monoxide.  The  amount  of  this  constituent  is  uni- 
form for  all  the  gases  and  corresponds  closely  with  that  recorded 
by  other  observers.  In  the  case  of  the  Morgantown  gas  the  fig- 
ure was  checked  by  the  use  of  the  delicate  iodine  pentoxide 
method. 

Hydrogen  and  Paraffines.  Absorption  by  palladinized  as- 
bestos was  the  method  used  for  hydrogen,  the  working  qualities 
of  the  api)aratus  being  checked  by  use  of  gas  containing  hydro- 
geii.  On  but  three  of  the  sam])les  could  any  contraction  what- 
ever be  observed.  Qualitative  tests  of  the  IMorgantowu  gas,  using 
dry  palladium  chloride,  showed  but  very  minute  traces  of  hydro- 
gen. While  Phillips  records  the  amount  as  a trace,  others  claim 
one  to  two  per  cent.  An  analysis  of  the  Akron,  Ohio,  supply  (W. 
Va.  gas),  by  Prof.  Knight  of  Buehtel  College,  made  last  summer, 
shows  1.3%  hydrogen.  This  amount,  however,  was  obtained  by 
calculation  based  on  the  explosion  data,  the  hydrogen  being  con- 
sidered equivalent  to  2-3  [contraction  on  burning  less  twice  COo 
formed].  But  in  every  ore  of  the  tests  made  by  myself  the  total 
contraction  after  combustioi]  of  methane  was  less  than  twice  the 
CO2  formed.  In  most  analyses  of  natural  gas  the  paraffines  have 
been  lumped  togethei*  as  “methane.”  One  vol.  of  CH4  burns 
with  two  volumes  of  oxygen  to  form  one  volume  of  CO.,.  The  vol. 
taken  for  combustion  includes  not  only  methane  but  the  nitrogen 
as  well.  In  every  one  of  perhaps  fifty  analyses,  using  two  meth- 
ods, two  forms  of  apparatus,  and  both  aii*  and  pure  oxygen,  the 
resulting  vol.  of  COo  was  invaiaably  greater  than  the  combinetl 
vol.  of  nitrogen  and  methane  taken  for  the  combustion,  thus 
plainly  indicating  the  presence  of  hydrocarbon  molecules  con- 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


555 


tain  ill"  more  tlian  ono  cai'bon  atom  and  conseciuontly  yielding 
more  than  one  vol.  of  CO2  on  comliustion.  As  extraction  with 
alcohol  failed  to  show  any  measurable  quantities  of  propane  or 
butane,  the  paraffines  were  assumed  to  consist  of  methane  and 
ethane  only,  and  their  relative  proportions  calculated  from  the 
combustion  data. 

Nitrogen.  This  element  is  usually  estimated  “by  differ- 
ence.’’ In  the  present  cases  such  was  impossible,  direct  examina- 
tion bein^  necessary,  and  pure  oxygen  being  therefore  demanded 
for  the  combustion  in  place  of  air.  Phillips  records  several  an- 
alyses showing  9%  nitrogen,  though  other  analysts  find  less.  As 
my  determinations  were  made  by  direct  reading  of  the  residual 
nitrogen  volume,  and  as  the  working  error  is  invariably  in  favor 
of  high  results,  the  true  values  for  this  constituent  certainly  can- 
not exceed  the  figures  indicated. 

Heavy  hydrocarhons.  These  constituents  are  largely,  though 
not  wholly,  responsible  for  the  odor.  They  include  olefines  (ethy- 
lene,) traces  of  acetylene,  and  also  traces  of  higher  paraffines, 
with  minute  quantities  of  certain  more  complex  hydrocarbons, 
the  nature  of  which  was  not  deteranined.  Benzene  was  found  to 
be  absent.  Contrary  to  expectations  no  measurable  ([uantities 
of  higher  paraffines  (propane,  butane,  pentane)  could  be  isolated. 
These  three  bodies  are  veiy  soluble  in  absolute  alcohol,  much  more 
so  than  methane  or  ethane,  yet,  though  much  time  was  given  to 
this  question,  repeated  shaking  with  absolute  alcohol  i)reviously 
saturated  for  CH4  and  CoHe  failed  to  give  any  measurable  con- 
traction in  the  case  of  any  of  the  gases.  Knight  has  made  the 
same  observation.  The  quantity  of  liiglier  paraffines  present  must 
therefore  be  less  than  0.1%. 

Sulphuretted  hydrogen.  Entirely  absent  in  all  the  samples. 
The  Morgantown  gaa,  passed  through  a solution  of  lead  acetate 
for  several  hours,  failed  to  give  the  slightest  indication  of  this 
l)ody.  Use  of  alcoholic  solution  of  mercuric  chloride  afforded  in- 
dications of  traces  of  organic  sulphur  compounds  (mercaptans 
and  thio  ethers.)  No  trace  of  carbon  bisulphide  was  detectable. 

Ammonia.  On  conducting  the  Morgantown  gas  into  am- 


55G 


THE  COMPOSITION  OF  NATUKAL  GAS 


nioiiia  free  water  containing  Nessler  reagent,  the  entire  absence 
of  ammonia  or  ammonia  compounds  was  demonstrated. 

C.  D.  HOWARD. 


ANALYSES  OF  NATUKAL  GAS. 

l\lade  during  J une,  1904,  by  C.  D.  Howard.  (Percentage  by  vol.) 


Sample 
No.  1. 

( Sample 
No.  2. 

Sample 
No.  3. 

Sample 
No.  4. 

Sample 
No.  5. 

Sample 
No.  6. 

Carbon  dioxide  (CO2) 

0.006* 

0.1 

0.0 

0.0 

0.1 

0.0 

Carbon  monoxide  (CO) 

0.1 

0.4 

0.4 

0.4 

0.4 

0.5 

Oxyf?en  (O) 

0.2 

0.2 

0.2 

0.1 

0.3 

0.3 

Hydrogen  (H) 

trace 

0.2 

0.0 

0.1 

0.1 

0.0 

Heavy  hydrocarbons 

0.4 

0.2 

0.4 

0.2 

0.1 

0.2 

Ethane  (CaH^) 

14  00  1 

11.09 

15.09 

11.88 

14  35 

7.65 

Methane  (CH4) 

80.91 

81.00 

79.95 

80.85 

80.70 

80.48 

Nitrogen  (N) 

3.40 

3.21 

3 96 

3.47 

3.95 

4.87 

Ammonia  (NHg) 

none 

none 

none 

none 

none 

none 

Carbon  bisulphide  (CS2) 

none 

none 

none 

none 

none 

none 

Sulphuretted  hyd’g-’n  (H2S) 

none 

none 

none 

none 

none 

n one 

Moisture  (grains  in  100  cu.f  t) 

17.72 

Total  Sulphur  (gr.  100  cu.ft) 

0.182 

1 ■ 

Total  paraffines 

95.54 

95.09 

95.04 

95.73 

95.05 

94.13 

tnUTl.it.  Helper  cu.  tt.(cpd) 

1142.6 

1130.9 

1110.9 

1143.0 

1131.4 

1065.3 

Sample  No.  1 — Morgantown  supply  (Big  Injun  Sand),  Monon- 
galia and  Greene  (Pa.)  Cos. 

Sample  No.  2 — Fairmont  supply  (Bayard  Sand)  Marion  county. 

Sam})le  No.  3 — Big  Injun  Sand  gas  from  Lucas  Brothers  well  No. 
1,  one  mile  and  a fourth  northwest  of  Shinnston.  Top  of  sand  1421 
feet  below  Pittsburg  Coal. 

Sample  No.  4 — Gordon  Sand  gas  (Shinnston  supply)  from  J.  B. 
Cunningham  well  No.  1,  three  and  one  half  miles  northwest  of  Shinns- 
ton, Harrison  county.  Top  of  Sand  2199*  feet  below  Pittsburg  Coal. 

Sample  No.  5 — Fiftli  Sand  gas  from  Harbert  well  No.  1,  near 
West  Fork  river,  and  thi’ee-fourths  mile  due  east  of  Lumberport,  Har- 
rison county.  To])  of  Sand  2380  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  Coal. 

Sample  No.  G — Fifty-Foot”  Sand  gas  from  Lucas  Brothers 
well  No.  4,  one  mile  west  of  Shinnston,  near  mouth  of  Eobinson  run, 
Harrison  county.  Top  of  Sand  1855  feet  below  the  Pittsburg  Coal. 

The  last  four  sani})les  of  gas  were  kindly  furnished  the  Sur- 
vey for  analysis  as  well  as  the  records  of  the  wells  themselves  by 
the  o\'ner.  The  Fairmont  & Gi'afton  Gas  Company. 

For  purposes  of  comparison  with  the  results  from  other  gas 

^Determined  by  Barium  liydi-ate. 

fProf.  Jones  rei)orts  B.  T.  U.  slightly  over  IIOO  by  Junker  calori- 
meter. Natural  gas  is  taken  as  a standard  (1000)  assuming  94% 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


nr,? 


horizons,  jiiid  jinal^’sos  hy  other  eheniists,  tlie  Following'  tables  aiid 
statements  are  ([noted  t'i*oni  a rectent  i)ul)lication  by  Prof.  G.  P. 
Griinsh'y,  of  Waslihurn  College,  Topeka,  Kansas,  (and  after 
An^-iist  1st,  1904,  Assistant  Geolo^’ist,  West  Vir^^inia  (Jeolo^ical 
Survey)  on  “Oil,  Gas,  and  Glass,”  in  Kansas,  page  11,  as  follows: 
Chcmistn)  of  Kansas  Natural  Gas. 

“The  following  analyses  were  made  by  Prof.  E.  IT.  S.  Baihw, 
and  published  in  the  University  Survey  reports  a few  years  ago. 
They  show  the  gas  to  be  of  high  grade:” 


Osawa- 

tomie. 

Colt'ey- 

ville. 

lola. 

Cherry- 

vale. 

Inde- 

pend- 

ence. 

Paola. 

Marsh-gaa  (CH4) 

97.6:3 

96.41 

89.66 

92.16 

95.28 

95.20 

Carbon  dioxide  (COg).. 

0.22 

0.00 

0.90 

0.22 

0.44 

o.3:j 

Ethylene  series  (C^H^) 

0.22 

a.:!.', 

0.00 

0.(H) 

0.67 

0.11 

Carbon  Monoxide  (CO) 

i.:3:3 

<'.91 

1 .2:5 

1.16 

o.;3:3 

1.57 

Nitrog-en  (N) 

0 60 

2.21 

7.16 

5.91 

3.28 

2.:54 

Oxygen  (0) 

traee 

0.12 

0. 45 

0.22 

trace 

0.45 

Hydrogen  (H) 

0.00 

0.0(1 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

“9'he  following  analyses  arc'  from  the  work  of  Professor 
Howard,  of  the  Ohio  survey:” 


Findlay,  Ohio. 

Marion,  Ind. 

Marsh-gas 

1)2  Gl 

03.58 

Carbon  fTioxide 

0.2G 

0.30 

Carbon  monoxide 

0 50 

O.GO 

Nitrogen 

:j.G5 

3 45 

Oxygen 

o.:m 

0.55 

Hydrogen 

2. 18 

1.20 

Sulphuretted  hydrogen 

0.20 

0.20 

The  high  fuel  value  of  W(‘st  Vii’ginia  Natural  Gas  is  evident 
from  this  comi)ai'ison,  as  well  as  from  the  results  given  in  the 
elaborate  paper  by  Prof.  ]diillii)S. 


I^A.RT  II 


ELEVATIONS  ABOVE  TIDE 


CHAPTER  VI. 

PRECISE  LEVELS. 

The  Topographic  branch  of  the  U.  S.  G.  Survey,  in  connec- 
tion with,  and  aided  by  the  U.  S.  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey,  is 
covering  the  entire  United  States  with  a net  work  of  precise  ele- 
vations. As  a result  of  this  precise  leveling,  many  of  the  old  lev- 
els and  bench  marks  accepted  for  many  years  as  accurate  by  the 
railroad  officials,  civil  engineers,  and  others,  have  been  proven 
erroneous,  often  to  the  extent  of  several  feet.  In  this  readjust- 
ment of  elevations,  the  U.  S.  G.  Survey  finds  it  necessary  to 
change  slightly,  as  a higher  degree  of  accuracy  is  attained,  some 
of  its  own  former  standard  elevations,  and  thus  those  given  of  the 
same  bench  mark  for  one  year  may  differ  slightly  from  that  given 
in  a later  publication.  The  railroad,  civil,  and  mining  engineers 
are  now  almost  universally  adjusting  their  levels  to  those  given 
by  the  U.  S.  G.  Survey,  especially  since  the  recent  plan  has  been 
adopted  of  placing  bronze  tablets  marked  with  the  elevations,  in 
conspicuous  positions  every  few  ’miles  in  each  quadrangle  sur- 
veyed. 

The  following  lists  of  levels  corrected  up  to  the  final  adjust- 
ments of  1903,  have  been  transmitted  to  the  Survey  by  Mr.  II.  M. 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


550 


Wilson,  Ueo^rauher,  U.  S.  (h.  Survey,  and  prepared  and  authen- 
ticated hy  S.  S.  (Jannett,  of*  the  Coniputin**-  Division: 
Descriptions  and  Elevations  of  Permanent  Bench  Marks  of  the  Coast 
and  Geodetic  Survey  Along  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Rail- 
road Between  Grafton  and  Parkersburg,  W.  Va. 

(The  bottom,  surface  of  the  square  cut  is  always  taken  as  the 
bench  mark.) 


Feet. 

M . Grafton,  W.  Va. — ('iit  on  top  of  the  north  side  of  the 
central  ]her  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Bridge  over  Tygarts 
Valley  River,  a branch  of  the  Monongahela  River.  It  is 
marked  with  the  letters  ‘‘B  M”  with  rectangular  figure 

between  996.856 

No.  XXXI.  About  5.5  miles  west  of  Grafton.  Cut  on  corner 
stone  of  the  east  end  of  a trestle  which  is  numbered 
2 (B.  & 0.  R.  R.,  Parkersburg  branch).  It  is  marked 

with  the  letters  M’’,  with  rectangular  figure  be- 


tween   1082.623 

No.  XXXII.  (hit  on  corner  stone  of  the  west  abutment  of  the 
Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  bridge  east  of  Bridgeport, 

Harrison  cimiity.  It  is  marked  with  the  letters  ‘‘B  M”, 

with  rectangular  figure  lietween 979.628 


No.  XXXII 1.  About  2 miles  east  of  West  Union,  Doddridge 
county.  Cut  on  top  of  the  jiier  at  the  west  end  of  Balti 
more  & Ohio  Railroad  bridge  No.  21,  over  Middle  Island 
Creek.  It  is  marked  with  tlie  letters  ‘MI  M ”,  with  rect- 
angular figure  between 800.186 

N.  About  one-fourth  mile  east  of  West  Union,  and  is  cut  on 
the  to})  of  the  soutliwest  cornei-  of  the  i)ier  of  the  Balti- 
more & Ohio  Railroad  bridge  No.  23,  over  Middle  Island 
creek.  It  is  marked  with  the  letlei’s  ‘Ml  M”,  with  rectan- 


gular figure  between 804.861 

No.  XXXIV.  Cut  on  the  southeast  coi'iier  stone  of  the  pier  of 
bridge  No.  26  (B.  & 0.  R.  R.),  aliout  ten  miles  west  of 
West  Union.  It  is  marked  with  the  letters  “B  M”,  with 
rectangular  figure  between 802.817 


No. XXX V^.  Cut  on  the  co])ing  st(  lie  of  the  eastern  almtment 
of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  bridge  No.  31,  over 
Bonds  creek,  about  mile  east  of  Cornwall  station.  It  is 
marked  with  the  letters  “B  M”,  with  rectangular’  figure 

i^etween  693.866 

No.  XXXVI.  Cut  on  the  ea  stern  abutment  of  the  Baltimoi’e 
& Ohi(»  Railroad  liridge  No.  35,  over  Bonds  Creek,  1 mile 
east  oi  Cairo,  Ritchie  county.  It  is  marked  with  the  let- 
ters “B  M”,  with  rectangular  figure  between 

No.  XXXVII. — (hit  (ill  the  west  abutment  of  the  Baltimore  & 

Ohio  Railroad  bridge  over  Goose  Creek,  about  200  meters 


685.954 


560 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


west  of  Petroleum.  It  is  marked  with  the  letters  M”, 

with  rectangular  figure  between 696,933 

No.  XXXVJir. — Cut  on  the  northeast  eoinei'stone  of  abut- 
ment of  Baltimoi’e  & Ohio  Railroad  bridge  No.  44,  about 
1 mile  west  of  Petroleum.  It  is  marked  with  the  letters 

“B  M’’,  with  rectangular  figure  between 693.171 

“No.  XXXIX. — Square  cut  on  the  foundation  at  northwest 
corner  of  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  bridge  No.  52,  2 miles 
east  of  Parkersburg.  It  is  marked  witli  the  letters  ‘‘B  M”, 

with  rectangular  figure  between 607.454 

0. — At  PaiJkersburg. — Cut  on  the  water  table,  south  front, 
near  western  corner  of  the  post  otiice  and  court  house.  It 
is  marked  with  the  letters  ‘ ^ B M ”,  with  rectangular  figure 
betw’een 615.806 


MONONGALIA  COUNTY. 

Morgantoivn,  Blacksville  and  Fair^nont  Quadrangles. 

The  elevations  in  the  following  list  are  the  partial  result  of 
a line  of  precise  levels  run  from  Grafton,  West  Virginia,  over  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  to  Leigh;  thence  over  the  Pennsyl- 
vania railroad  to  Pittsburg.  They  are  based  on  the  U,  S.  Coast 
and  Geodetic  Survey  bench  mark  ‘'M,  ” at  Grafton,  a chisel  mark 
on  the  coping  stone  at  the  north  end  of  central  pier  of  railroad 
bridge  over  Tygarts  Valley  River,  the  elevation  of  which  is  now 
accepted  as  996.856  feet  above  mean  sea  level.  This  line  forms 
an  element  in  the  precise  level  net,  the  result  of  the  1903  adjust- 
ment of  which  was  to  lower  the  elevations  at  Pittsburg  by  the 
continuous  unadjusted  line  0.112  foot  with  respect  to  Grafton. 
This  amount  has  been  distributed  between  Braddock  and  Grafton 
proportional  to  the  distance,  a distance  of  over  142.5  miles. 

Between  Pittsburg  and  Braddock  no  error  was  distributed, 
because  of  a satisfactory  check  by  Pennsylvania  railroad  levels 
and  to  simplify  the  adjustment. 

The  leveling  was  done  by  Mr.  E.  L.  McNair,  assisted  by 
Messrs.  J.  E.  Buford  and  John  W.  Hodges,  rodmen. 

All  bench  marks  set  in  the  course  of  this  w^ork  were  marked 
with  the  word  “Pittsburg”  and  the  date  of  “1899”,  in  addition 
to  the  figures  of  elevation,  thus  referring  them  to  the  central 
datum  tablet  accepted  for  this  group  of  leveling,  which  is  set  in 
the  foundation  of  the  Seventh  Avenue  Hotel  in  Pittsburg,  the 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


501 


elevation  of  which  is  now  accepted  as  being  738.383  feet  above 
mean  sea  level  at  Sandy  Hook. 


Grafton  via  Fairmont  to  Morgantown.  Feet. 

Grafton  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  bridge  across  Tygarts 
Valley  River,  at  north  end  central  pier,  coping  stone, 
chisel  mark,  (U.  S.  Coast  Survey  beMcli  mark  996.856 

Grafton,  in  front  of  Baltimore  & Ohio  station;  main  line, 

top  of  rail 1000.5 

Valley  Falls,  2.9  miles  oast  of;  bridge  seat  at  northeast 
corner  of  girder  bridge  No.  104,  7 feet  east  of  center 
of  track,  4 feet  below  top  of  outer  rail  of  curve,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ^ ^ 986  PITTSBURG  1899  ’ ’ 985.601 

Bush,  in  front  of  flag  station;  top  of  south  rail 985.2 

Valley  Falls,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  iprth  rail 974.9 

PowelUs,  in  front  of  flag  station;  top  of  south  rail 907.6 

PowelUs  flag  station,  0.67  mile  west  of;  stone  arch  bridge 
No.  108,  doping  of  stone  wall,  1.1  feet  below  top  of  rail, 

7 feet  north  of  center  of  track,  aluminum  tablet,  marked 

‘^899  PITTSBURG  1899” 899.043 

Colfax,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  south  rail 891.9 

Benton  Feriy,  at  signboard,  top  of  south  rail 889.9 

Benton  Ferry,  160  feet  south  of  signboard,  bridge  seat  at 
southwest  corner  of  small  girder  bridge  No.  Ill,  4.5  feet 
below'  top  of  rail  and  18.5  feet  south  of  center  of  track, 

bronze  tablet  marked  ^‘885  PITTSBURG  1899” 885.094 

Fairmont,  in  front  of  Baltimore  & Ohio  station,  top  of 

east  rail 883.6 

Fairmont,  1.25  miles  north  of  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad 
bridge  No.  371,  across  Monongahela  river  at  north  end  of 
east  abutment,  coping  stone,  In'onze  la})let,  marked  ‘CS85 

PITTSBURG  1899”. 885.034 

Hoult,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  west  rail 882.4 

Riverside,  in  front  of  flag  station;  top  of  east  rail 881.3 

Montana,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  east  rail 875.4 

Catawba,  .8  mile  south  of;  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  one- 
si)an  bridge  (ti-uss)  No.  369,  coping  stone  at  north  end  of 
east  abutment  3 feet  below  rail  and  8 feet  north  of,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ‘‘873  PITTSBURG  1899” 872.605 

Catawba,  in  front  of  station;  toj)  of  north  rail 873.0 

Luther,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  east  rail 867.9 

Murray,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  north  rail 868.0 

Opekiska,  in  front  of  station  top  of  north  rail 866.2 

Beechwood,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  south  rail 860.2 

Little  Falls,  1.33  miles  northwest  of;  face  of  rock  bluff, 

9.5  feet  west  of  west  rail  and  4 feet  above  same,  .5  mile 
north  of  l)ridge  No.  366,  bronze  tablet  niaiked  “859 
PITTSBURG  1899” 858.844 


56a 


PKECISE^LEVELS 


Little  Falls,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  north  rail 847.3 

Uffington,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  north  rail 831.3 

Uffington,  400  feet  north  oi  station;  coping  stone  of  abut- 
ment at  northwest  coiner  of  one-span  truss  bridge  No. 

364,  3 feet  below  top  of  rail  and  7 f*eet  north  of,  alumium 

tablet  marked  ^LS28  PITTSBUln  1899” 827.883 

Russell  Siding,  east  rail  at 822.6 

Morgantown,  480  feet  south  of  Baltimore  & Ohio  station; 
coping  stone  of  abutment  at  northwest  corner  of  truss 
bridge  over  Deckers  Qreek,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘‘821 

PITTSBURG  1899” 820.870 

Morgantown,  West  Virgimia,  to  Uniontown,  Pennsylvania. 
Morgantown,  in  front  of  Baltimore  & Ohio  station;  top  of 

east  rail 823.1 

Randall,  in  front  of  flag  station;  top  of  east  rail 824.5 

Vanvoorhis,  1 mile  south  of;  bridge  seat  at  southeast  corner 
of  steel  girder  bridge  No.  359,  bronze  tablet  marked  “815 

PITTSBURG  1899” 815.218 

Vanvoorhis,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  west  rail....# 818.0 

Hoard,  in  front  of  flag  station;  top  of  east  rail 817.0 

State-line  post  (West  Virginia-Pennsylvania),  top  of,  east 
of  rail 815.3 


PRESTON,  MONONGALIA,  MARION  AND  WETZEL  COUNTIES. 

Brucetmi  Mills,  MorgantmOn,  Blacksville  and  Mannington  Quad- 
rangles. 

The  elevations  in  the  following  list  are  based  upon  U.  S. 
Coast  and  Geodetic  bench  mark  “M”  at  Grafton,  W.  Va., 
a chiseled  square  on  the  top  of  the  north  side  of  the  central  pier 
of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  bridge  over  Tygarts  Valley 
Creek.  The  elevation  of  this  as  determined  by  that  bureau  by  the 
1903  adjustment  of  precise  leveling  is  accepted  as  996.856  feet 
above  mean  sea  level.  The  initial  points  upon  which  these 
levels  depend  are  bench  marks  of  the  Geological  Survey  precise 
level  line  of  1900  between  Grafton,  AV.  Va.,  and  Pittsburg,  Pa., 
the  elevations  accepted  for  which  are  derived  also  from  the  1903 
adjustment. 

The  leveling  on  the  Morgantown  quadrangle  was  done  in 
1899  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Frank  Sutton,  topographer,  by 
Mr.  Wm.  Creniiell,  level  man,  that  on  the  Bruceton  Mills  quad- 
rangle was  done  in  1901  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  A.  II.  Bum- 
stead,  topograx)her,  by  Mr.  M.  P.  Ikige,  levelman,  and  that  on  the 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOIA)GIOAL  SUKVT<:Y 


ms 


(|iRuii‘iii]o>lc  was  done  in  1902  under  the  direction 
of  ]\Tr.  W.  N.  Brown,  topoj^rapher,  by  Mr.  J^)hn  W.  Hodges, 
lovelnian. 

All  permanent  bench  marks  dei)endent  on  this  datum  are 
marked  with  the  letters  ‘‘GRAFTON”  in  addition  to  the  figures 
of  elevation. 

The  permanent  bench  murks  on  the  Morgantown  quad- 
rangle are  rt^erred  to  the  Pittsburg  datum  and  marked  with  the 
letters  “PITTSBURG”  in  addition  to  the  figures  of  elevation. 

Morgantown  Southeast  via  Dellslow  to  Masontown,  Returning  West- 
erly and  North  via  Cold  Spring,  to  Morgantown. 

(Hie  closure  of  this  circuit  slightly  exceeded  allowahle  limit J 

Fee-t. 

Morgantown,  0.4  mile  east  first  bridge  over  Decker’s  creek 

on  southeast  corner  of  east  abutment,  chisel  mark 820.55 

Morgantown,  .9  mile  east  of;  second  bridge  over  Decker’s 

Creek  on  northwest  corner  of  east  abutment,  chisel  mark.  823.30 
Morgantown,  3.9  miles  east  of;  at  Johnson’s  Mills;  third 


bridge  over  Decker’s  (h’eek,  at  northeast  corner  of  west 

abutment  of,  on  bridge  seat,  chisel  mark 890.14 

Dellslow,  north  side  of  creek,  30  feet  oast  of  bridge,  over, 
in  toj)  of  large  bouldei',  aluminum  tablet  marked  “994 

PITTSBURG  1899” 993.846 

Dellslow,  4.8  miles  south  of;covered  bridge  over  Decker’s 

Creek,  on  south  side  of  east  abutment,  chisel  mark 1454.81 

Masontown,  Methodist  church,  in  southeast  corner  of  founda- 
tion, aluminum  tablet  marked  “1843”  PITTSBURG”..  1842.421 
Cold  Spring,  .5  mile  north  of;  near  watering  trough  west 
of  pike,  on  large  sandstone,  aluminum  tabJet  marked 
“2113  PITTSBURG” 2112.571 


Masontown,  W.  Va.,  Southeast  Along  Plighway  to  Albright,  thence 
Northeast  to  Lenox„  thence  Northerly  via  Bruceton 
Mills  to  Elliottsville,  Pa. 


Feet. 

Herring  Postoffice,  southwest  corner  of  stone  foundation 

of  church  at,  bronze  tablet  marked  “2042  GRAFTON”..  2042.080 
Honing,  4.3  miles  southeast  of;  8.4  miles  east  of  Mason- 
town stone  abutment  over  bridge,  s(piare  cut  on 1767.00 

Albright,  iron  bridge  over  Cheat  river  at;  northwest  corner 

of  stone  abutment,  square  cut  on 1214.82 

Lenox  ])ost  office,  at  southwest  corner  of  stone  foundation 

of,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “2123  GRAFTON” 2122.318 

Lenox,  2.25  miles  noifh  of;  soul  invest  coiiuu’  of  stone  founda- 
tion of  Methodist  church,  bronze  tal)let  marked  “1851 


564 


PllECISE  LEVELS 


GRAFTON’ 1850.258 

Bniceton  Mills,  1.6  miles  south  of;  residence  of  Marshall  A. 

Wolfe,  southeast  corner  '>{'  cut  stone  foundation,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ‘^1578  Gl.l  FTON” 1577.470 

Bruceton  Mills,  Lutheran  church,  northeast  corner  of  stone 

foundation,  aluminum  tablet  markeh,  1549  GR.vFTON”. . 1549.206 
Brandonville,  1.5  miles  east  of  ; residt  : ce  of  \"in.  M.  Willott 
southwest  corner  of  cut  stone  fouxulation,  bronze  tablet 
m^irked  ^M831  GRAFTON” 1831.723 


Morgantown  NorLliwesterly  to  Blacksville. 

Feet. 


Cassville,  20  feet  north  of  road  and  20  feet  west  of  road 
running  north,  stone  door  step  of  post  office,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ^‘999  GRAFTON” 999.202 

Core,  2.2  miles  northwest  of;  10  feet  south  of  road,  bridge 
over  east  side  of  Doll’s  run,  southeast  abutment  of,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ^^913  GRAFTON”  913.265 

Worley,  2 miles  west  of;  east  side  of  road,  north  side  of 
Dunkard  creek,  bridge  over  at  forks  of  road,  on  abutment 

of,  chisel  mark 951.11 

Blacksville,  (3.9  miles  west  of  Worley),  10  feet  east  of 
center  of  road,  bridge  over  Dunkard  creek,  5 feet  north 
of  bridge  floor,  in  stone  abutment  bronze  tablet  marked 
‘‘958  GRAFTON” 957.321 


Dunkard  Creek  South  Along  Highways  to  Amos,  Thence  Southeast 
Along  Highway  to  Catawba. 


Feet. 


Amos  or  Fairview,  (7.0  miles  south  of  Ponetown)  30  feet 
from  center  of  road,  east  side  of  door  to  post  office,  in 
door  step,  bronze  tablet  marked  “1000  GRAFTON”....  999.900 
Rivesville,  8.3  miles  east  of  Basnettsville,  south  side  of 
road,  iron  bridge  over  Paw  Paw  Creek,  on  abutment  west 
side  of  creek,  chisel  mark 859.65 


Fairmoint  Northv/est  Along  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  via  Man- 


niiigton  and  Hundred  to  Bellton. 

Feet. 

Barrackville,  crossing  at  station,  top  of  rail 907. 

Barrackville,  3.7  miles  northwest  of;  1.7  miles  southeast 
of  Farmington,  bridge  No.  IIG,  northeast  abutment,  on  top 

of,  chisel  square 927.51 

Farmington,  2.8  miles  northwest  of;  on  abutment  of  bridge 

cliisel  square  953.28 

Mannington,  corner  Railroad  and  Market  streets,  door  of 
Exchange  Bank,  ])i]lar  north  of,  bi’onze  tablet  marked 

“975  GRAFTON  1902” 975.056 

Metz,  road  crossing,  top  of  rail 1002. 

Glovers  Gap,  in  south  foundation  of  signal  tower;  bronze 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


565 


tablet  marked  ‘‘1040  GRAFTON  1002’’ 1039.615 

Glovers  Gap.  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 1041. 

Hundred,  crossing  at  station;  top  of  rail 1019. 

Hundred,  0.1  mile  nortlnvest  of;  nortlieast  abutment  of 
bridge  No.  128,  on  top  of  bridge  seat,  bi-onze  tablet  marked 

“1013  GRAFTON  1902”....^ 1013.049 

Bellton,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 893. 


Mannington,  North  Up  Flat  Rim  Along  Public  Roads  via  Galletin  to 

Crossroads. 

( Single  spur  line.) 

Feet. 

Galletin  post  office,  300  feet  east  of;  north  of  road,  in  face  of 
of  rock,  bronze  tablet  marked  “1452  GRAFTON  1902”.  . 1452.067 
Crossroads,  (i)ostofrice),  2.9  miles  northeast  of;  on  north 
of  road  down  Miracle  Run.  30  feet  east  of  Mrs.  Marberly’s 
dwelling,  in  face  of  large  rock,  bronze  tablet  marked 
“1014  GRAFTON  1903” 1014.378 

BlacksviUe,  W.  Va.,  West  Along  Public  Roads  via  Bula,  W.  Va. 
Brave,  Pa.  and  St.  Cloud,  W,  Va.  to  Hundred  Station. 

Feet. 

Bula,  1.7  miles  northeast  of;  northwest  abutment  of  bridge 

over  Dunkard  creek,  chiseled  square 96-5.44 

WETZEL,  TYLER  DODDRIDGE,  HARRISON,  PLEASANTS, 
RITCHIE,  GILMER  AND  BRAXTON  COUNTIES. 

Littleton,  Salem,  New  Martmsville,  West  Union,  St.  Marys,  Har- 
risville,  Ilolhrook  and  Glenville  Quadrangles. 

^ The  various  initial  points  upon  which  these  levels  depend 
are  bench  marks  of  the  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  transconti- 
nental precise  level  line  and  the  precise  level  line  of  Army  En- 
gineers along  the  Ohio  River,  the  elevations  accepted  for  which 
being  also  in  accord  with  the  1903  adjustment. 

The  leveling  here  listed  was  done  in  1903,  that  on  the  Little- 
ton and  West  Union  quadrangles  was  done  under  the  direction 
of  Mr.  E.  I.  Ireland,  topographer,  by  Mr.  G.  L.  Gordon,  levelman; 
that  on  the  Salem  and  part  of  Holbrook  quadrangles  was  done 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  A.  M.  AValker,  topographer,  by  Mr.  G. 
L.  Gordon,  levelman.  The  remainder  of  the  Holbrook  quadrangle 
being  done  Tander  the  direction  of  Mr.  Albert  Pike,  topographer, 
by  Mr.  F.  T,  Willis,  levelman,  and  that  on  the  New  Martinsville 
and  St,  Mcirys  quadrangles  was  done  under  the  direction  of 


5G6 


PKECISE  LEVELS 


]\rr.  W.  N.  Morrill,  topographer,  by  Mr.  R.  E.  McFadden,  level- 
man. 

Permanent  bench  marks  dependent  on  this  datum  are 
marked  with  the  letters  ‘‘GRAFTON,”  in  addition  to  the  fig- 
ures of  elevation. 

Bellton  Southwest  Along  Highways  via  West  to  Halls  Mills,  thence 
South  to  Reader,  thence  Along  Highways  and 
Railroad  East  to  Lot,  thence  Northeast 
Along  Highway  to  Littleton. 

Feet. 

Bannen,  1.1  miles  southwest  of;  sclioollioiise,  sub  dist.  No. 

9,  cS.(S  feet  southwest  of  west  corner,  iron  post  marked 

“1398  GRAFTON’’ 1398.112 

Bannen,  2.8  miles  southwest  of ; sohoolhouse  at  forks  of  road 

stone  steps,  bottom  step,  west  end,  chiseled  square 1376.95 

Silverhill,  at  Laurel  Run,  bridge  over  west  abutment,  south 

end,  chiseled  square 1133.96 

West,  forks  of  road  at;  east  angle,  outcrop  of  rock,  bronze 

tablet  marked  “1106  GRAFTON” 1106.218 

Halls  Mills,  5.3  miles  southwest  of  West;  north  side  of 
road  near  Mr.  Thomas  Adams  store  and  dwelling,  outcrop 

of  rock,  bronze  tablet  marked  “774  GRAFTON” 774.396 

Reader,  county  bridge  over  Fishing  Greek,  south  abutment, 
northeast  corner,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “693  GRAF- 
TON”   693.676 

Reader,  0.8  mile  southeast  of ; B.  & 0.  R.  R.  bridge  No.  145 

east  abutment,  north  end,  top  stone,  chiseled  square....  687.893 
Pine  Grove,  north  fork  of  Fishing  Creek,  covered  bridge  over 

north  abutment,  southwest  corner,  chiseled  square 712.58 

Pine  Grove,  1.8  miles  southeast  of;  B.  & 0.  R.  R.  bridge  No. 

195  north  abutment  bridge  seat,  eest  end,  chiseled  square.  723.07 

Jacksonburg,  at  railroad  crossing,  top  of  rail 747.3 

Jacksonburg,  0.1  mile  southeast  of;  Buffalo  Run,  B.  & 0.  R.  ^ 

R.  bridge  over,  northwest  abutment,  south  corner  of  bridge 

seat,  bronze  tablet  marked  “746  GRAFTON” 745.958 

Jacksonburg,  6.2  miles  northeast  of;  .05  mile  southeast  of 
Bowman’s  east  side  of  road,  outcrop  of  rock,  aluminum 

tablet  marked  “839  GRAFTON” 839.184 

Bowmans,  5.4  miles  nortlieast  of;  Uniontown,  .08  mile  south- 
west of,  south  side  of  road,  outcrop  of  rock,  aluminum 

.tablet  marked  “1133  GRAFTON” 1133.244 

Uniontown,  1.0  mile  northeast  of  bridge  over  Knob  Fork 

Run,  northeast  abutment,  east  end  chiseled  square 1052.65 

Uniontown,  4.7  miles  nortl'oast  of;  Small  Hollow,  bridge 
over  northeast  stone  of  abutment,  top  of,  chiseled 
squasre  1179.27 


WEST  VIUOINIA.  GEOLOGIC A.L  SUKVEY 


507 


Jacksonburg  Southeast  Along  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  via  Smith- 

field  to  Brown. 

‘ ’ Feet. 

Jacksonhiirg,  1.3  miles  sontlieast  of;  raib’oad  bridge  No,  236 
over  Fishing  Creek,  northwest  abutment,  northeast  end  of 

bridge  seat,  chiseled  s(jnare 765.93 

Jaeksonbnrg,  3.5  miles  southeast  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  260 
over  Fishing  Creek,  west  abutment,  north  side,  top  of, 

chiseled  square  808.13 

Jaeksonbnrg,  4.75  miles  southeast  of;  northwest  corner  of 

Railroad  culvert,  chiseled  square 811.95 

Smithfield,  0.2  mile  northwest  of;  Railroad  bridge  No.  293 
over  Fishing  Creek,  north  abutment  bridge  seat,  southeast 

corner,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘^829  GRAFTON’’ 828.787 

Smithfield,  at  station,  railroad  crossing,  top  of  rail 836.1 

Folsom,  1.6  miles  northwest  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  307  over 
Fishing  Creek,  south  abutment,  second  stone  from  top, 

chiseled  square  • 870.62 

Folsom,  railroad  crossinig  between  station  and  post  office 

top  of  rail 952. 

Rinehart,  3.6  miles  northwest  of;  0.2  mile  northwest  of 
tunnel  station,  railroad  culvert,  southwest  corner  of 

chiseled  square 1051.61 

Rinehart,  0.05  mile  southeast  of;  railroad  culvert  over  Mud 
Lick  Run,  northwest  corner  of,  aluminum  tablet  marked 

‘M059  GRAFTON” 1058.895 

Rinehart,  railroad  crossing, 1068.4 

Wallace,  Short  Line  railroad  bridge  No.  382,  near,  soutli- 

east  abutment,  southwest  corner,  chiseled  square 1032.26 

Leechburg  West  Along  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  to  West  Union. 

Feet. 

Leechburg,  0.5  mile  west  of;  Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad 
bridge  trestle  No.  14,  on  top  of  retaining  wall,  0th  stone 

from  bridge,  chiseled  square 1039.56 

Wolf  Summit,  3.8  miles  west  of;  trestle  No.  15,  B.  & 0. 

R.  R.  on  southwest  corner  of,  chiseled  square 1053.08 

Bristol,  0.2  miles  west  of;  top  stone  of  small  culvert,  north- 
west corner  of,  marked  ‘‘B  M” 1027.52 

Salem,  eastmost  railroad  crossing  in,  top  of  rail 1047.0 

Salem,  Salem  Bank,  south  face,  4 feet  east  of  corner,  in 
water  table,  aluminum  tablet  marked  ‘A047  GRAF- 
TON”   1047.366 

Industrial,  railroad  crossing  top  of  rail 1074.7 

Long  Run,  0.7  mile  east  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  16,  east 

abutment,  southwest  corner,  chiseled  square 877.32 

Long  Run,  railroad  crossing  at;  main  track,  top  of  rail 854.5 

.Long  Run,  675  feet  west  of  station;  north  side  of  Baltimore 
& Ohio  railroad,  aluminum  tablet  marked  ‘‘853  GRAF- 


508 


PKECISE  LEVELS 


TON’' 853.286 

Slierwood  Post  Offiee,  at  railroad  crossing’,  top  of  rail 832.0 

Morganville,  0.2  mile  west  of,  Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad 
bridge  No.  17,  east  abutment,  northwest  corner,  chiseled 

aquare  , 812.39 

Rmithbnrg,  I’aflroad  crossing  at,  top  of  rail 797.5 

Smithbnrg,  0.7  mile  west  of;  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey 
l)ench  mark  ‘‘XXXiri”,  on  abutment  of  bridge  about  2 

miles  east  of  West  Union... 800.186 

Smithbnrg,  2.1  miles  west  of ; 60  feet  west  of  junction  of 
road  from  right,  bridge  over  Rock  Run,  east  abutment, 

southeast  corner,  chiseled  square 778.79 

Smithbnrg,  3 miles  v^est  of;  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey 
bench  mark  ‘‘N*^,  on  Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad  bridge 

near  West  Union 804.862 

West  Union,  Bank  Building,  stone  between  door  and  window 
of  center,  center  of;  aluminum  tablet  marked  ‘‘836  GRAF- 
TON”  836.104 

West  Union  Southeast  Along  Highway  to  Wallace. 

Feet. 

Kenton,  1.1  miles  north  of;  east  side  of  road  on  bank  of 
Little  Flint  Run,  opposite  Junction  of  West  Run,  low 

flat  rock,  northwest  corner,  chiseled  square 763.97 

Kenton,  3.4  miles  north  of;  0.1  mile  west  of  Eagle  Mills 
post  offlce,  in  bend  at  side  of  road,  near  dwelling,  large 

flat  rock,  In’onze  tablet  marked  “760  GRAFTON” 759.844 

Center  Point,  0.1  mile  south  of;  Sha^^p  bend  to  left  in 
road,  northeast  side  of  road,  outcrop  of  rock,  bronze 

tablet,  tablet,  marked  “790  GRAFTON” 789.746 

Center  Point.  3 miles  east  of;  and  about  160  feet  east  of 
J.  T.  Shield’s  store,  north  side  of  road,  rock,  top  of, 

chiseled  square 864.89 

Center  Point,  6 miles  east  of;  junction  of  road  at  right  at 
Summit  (on  county  line,)  southwest  angle  large  rock, 

chisel  square 1277.52 

Proctor  Southeast  Along  Highways  to  Halls  Mills. 

Feet. 

Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad  bridge  No.  317  over  Proctor 
Creek,  in  west  end  of  south  abutment,  bronze  tablet 

marked  “632  GRAFTON  1903” ’. 632.114 

Marion  post  office,  0.2  mile  east  of;  opposite  Marion  Moore’s 

store  building,  south  of  creek,  on  stone,  chiseled  square. . . . 881.62 

Bebee  post  office,  stone  steps  leading  to  Lewis  Feias  house, 

bottom  step,  chiseled  square 1259.75 

New  Martinsville  Southwest  Along  East  Side  of  Ohio  River  to  Sis- 
tersville,  thence  Southeast  to  Middlehourne. 

^ Feet. 

New  Martinsville,  in  county  court  house,  facing  Main  street, 


WEST  VIllOINIA  GEOIiOGICAL  SUEVEY  569 

near  main  out  ranee,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘‘030  GRAFTON 

1903’’ 030.2S2 

Lively  crossing  (lag  station,  top  of  rail 030. 

ISrandota  (lag  station,  top  of  rail 02(S.l 

Paden  station,  in  front  of,  top  of  rail 030. 

Stewarts  crossing,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 033. 

Slstersville,  City  Hall  and  post  office  building,  south  side 

in  sill,  bronze  tablet  marked  “099  STBNVL” 032.114 

Iron  bridge  over  Parsley  Creek,  at  foot  of  hill,  top  stone 

of  soutiieast  foundation,  T.  P. circle 730.97 

Luzon  post  office,  0.5  mile  southeast  of;  east  side  of  road, 

opposite  Kellar’s  old  store  building,  square  on  stone....  1055.41 
Luzon  post  office,  2.5  miles  southeast  of;  northeast  abut- 
ment of  iron  bridge  over  Point  Pleasant  Creek,  near  where 
it  empties  into  Middle  Island  Creek,  on  top  stone,  chiseled 

square  684.56 

Middlebourne,  northeast  corner  of  Sheriff’s  residence,  in 
stone  over  cellar  window,  north  of  front  entrance  to  house, 
aluminum  tablet  marked  “744  GRAFTON  1903” 745.162 

Middlebourne  Northeast  Along  Hilghway  to  Reader,  thence  Northwest 
Along  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  (Short, 

Line)  to  New  Martinsville. 

Feet. 

Polard  post  office,  0.5  mile  northeast  of;  on  rock  north  of 

road  near  Elk  Creek,  square  on 745.46 

Conaway  post  office,  in  southeast  corner  of  James  W.  May- 
field’s  cellar,  facing  post  office,  aluminum  tablet  marked 

“840  GRAFTON  1903” 841.033 

Reader,  2 miles  northwest  of;  southwest  abutment  of  large 
railway  bridge  No.  121,  over  Fishing  Creek,  chiseled 

square  on 680.73 

Flanagan  flag  station,  in  front  of;  top  of  rail 678. 

Reader,  3 miles  northwest  ('f;  on  southwest  abutment  of 

bridge  No.  110  over  Fishing  Creek,  chiseled  square 676. 

Porters  Falls,  0.6  mile  noiHiwest  of;  on  southeast  abutment 

of  small  bridge,  chiseled  square 670.64 

Minnie  flag  station,  in  front  of;  top  of  rail 647.2 

Minnie  flag  station;  360  feet  west  of;  on  southwest  abut- 
ment of  railway  bridge  No.  74,  chiseled  square 646.28 

Bard,  telegraph  office,  top  of  rail..’ 641.2 

Minnie,  6 miles  nm-thwest  of;  on  north  end  of  small  railway 

culvert,  over  Bank  Run,  chiseled  square 621.24 

Galmish  Southwest  Along  Highway  to  Lima,  thence  West  to  Blue. 

Feet. 

Galmish,  (pump  sla(ion),  0.2  mile  east  of;  BaKimore  & Ohio 
railroad  bridge  No.  159  over  Piney  Creek,  on  south  end  of 

west  abulment,  6lh  step  from  top,  chiseled  square 687.97 

Piney^  diff  between  forks  of  creek,  near  the  corner,  bronze 


570 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


tablet  marked  ‘^790  GRAFTON’’ 790.039 

Lima,  0,37  mile  west  of;  north  side  of  road,  outcrop  of  rock 

bronze  tablet  marked  ‘‘7C9  GRAFTON” 7G9.235 

Blue,  0.2  mile  east  of;  dwelline:,  stone  steps  in  front  of, 

second  from  bottom,  east  end,  chiseled  square 734,23 

Middlebourne  Southeast  Along  Highway  to  West  Union. 

Feet. 

Middlebourne,  0.2  mile  southwest  of;  iron  bridge  over  Gar- 
ren’s  Run,  east  abutment,  southwest  corner,  chiseled 

sfiuare 681.48 

Blue,  0.3  mile  southeast  of ; iron  bridge  over  Indian  Creek  at 
mouth,  northwest  abutment,  south  corner,  bronze  tablet, 

marked  ‘ ‘ 707  GRAFTON  ” 707.193 

Blue,  1.6  miles  southeast  of ; McElroy  Creek,  iron  bridge  over, 

northwest  abutment,  south  corner,  chiseled  square 716.66 

Wilbur,  0.15  mile  northwest  of;  6.5  miles  southeast  of  Blue, 
east  side  of  road,  outcrop  of  rock,  bronze  tablet  marked 
d ' 973  GRAFTON  ” 974.012 

Blue  Southeast  Along  Highway  to  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  Near 

Toll  Gate. 

Feet. 

Alma,  3 miles  south  of;  forks  of  road,  southwest  angle, corner 

of  store,  top  of  large  rock  under,  chiseled  square 717.25 

Alma,  6.5  miles  southwest  of;  0.34  mile  south  of  Bearsville, 
northeast  side  of  road,  nortlnvest  side  of  hollow,  outcrop 

of  rock,  bronze  tablet  marked  GRAFTON” 839.349 

Molehill,  Brush  Run  at  nortli  bank  of;  at  forks  of  road, 

outcrop  of  rock;  bronze  tablet,  marked  ‘‘854  GRAFTON”.  854.575 
Molehill,  7.5  miles  south  of;  iron  bridge  on  old  northwestern 
l)ike  over  north  fork  of  Hughes  Rivei’,  on  northeast  bridge 

seat  of 793.93 

Molehill,  8.3  miles  south  of;  and  0.4  mile  west  of  Toll  Gate, 

U.  S.  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  bench  mark  “ ” des- 

cribed as  follows:  Cut  on  tlie  southeast  corner  stone  of 
})ier  of  bridge  No.  26,  (B.  & 0.  R.  R.),  about  10  miles  west 

of  West  Union,  B.  M 802.817 

Greenwood,  0.4  miles  west  of;  on  north  side  of  B.  & 0.  R.  R. 
near  center  of  rock  cut,  bronze  tablet  marked  “854  GRAF- 
TON”   ’ 854.635 

Tpll  Gate  West  Along  Baltimorxa  and  Ohio  Railroad  and  Highway 

to  Cairo. 

Feet. 

Pennsboro,  railroad  crossing,  top  of  rail 861. 

Pennsboro,  Farmers  and  Merchants  Bank  Building,  east  face, 

2.8  feet  north  of;  southwest  coiner,  2 feet  above  pavement, 

bronze  tablet  marked  “852  GRAFTON” 

Fllenboro,  4.2  miles  east  of;  about  way  between  tunnels 


852.619 


WEST  VIUaiNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


571 


No.  S and  9 on  ledi»'o  of  rook  south  of  track,  chiseled 

square 872.74 

Kllenboro,  1.8  miles  east  of;  on  south  end  of  east  abutment  of 

Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  bridj>-e  No.  27,  chiseled  square.  . 807.70 

Kllenboro,  road  crossiiiir  at  station,  top  of  rail 784. 

Kllenboro.  150  feet  west  of  station;  in  east  abutment,  south 
end  of  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  bi  idge  over  small  stream 
from  north,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘‘780  GRAFTON.... 

1903’’ 780.135 

B.  & 0.  Railroad  tunnel  No.  10,  1 mile  east  of;  on  top  stone, 
south  end,  east  abutment  of  railway  bridge  No.  28,  chis- 
eled square 760.672 

Railway  biudge  No.  30,  on  top  stone  southwest  abutment, 

chiseled  square 739.342 

Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  tunnel.  No.  11,  west  end  south 
side  of  track,  on  corner  of  foundation  stone,  chiseled 

square 709.21 

Cornwallis,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 686.7 

J.  P.  Cornwallis,  375  feet  west  of;  on  north  end  of  east 

abutment  of  railway  bridge  No.  32,  chiseled  square 684.57 

Cornwallis,  375  feet  west  of;  in  bridge  seat  of  bridge  No.  32, 
north  end  of  east  abutment,  bronze  tablet  marked  “681 

GRAFTON  1903  ” 681.438 

Cairo,  1 mile  east  of;  IT.  R.  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  bench 
mai'k  “XXXYT”,  on  south  end  of  each  abutment  of  rail- 
way bridge  No.  35,  over  Bonds  Creek 685.954 

Cairo,  in  front  (T  freight  station;  top  of  low  rail 680. 

Cairo,  in  railwav  bridire  No.  36.  north  end  of  east  abutment,, 
bronze  tablet  marked  “674  GRAFTON  1903” 674.132 


Middlebourne  Along  Highv/ay  Southwest  to  Sugar  Valley,  thence 
South  to  Tunnel  No.  11,  Baltimore  and  Ohio 
Railroad  West  of  Ellenhoro. 

Feet. 

Little  post  ofTice,  on  top  of  east  })ier  south  side  of  large 


iron  bridge  over  Middle  Island  Creek,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“672  GRAFTON  1903” 672.187 

Wasp,  north  of;  about  V2  way  between  Beech  church  and 
Wasp  school  house,  on  rock,  west  side  of  road,  chiseled 

square 722.38 

Arvilla  post  office,  on  south  end  east  abutment  of  iron 

bridge  over  Middle  Island  Creek,  chiseled  square  634.49 

Sugar  Valley  i)ost  office,  200  feet  west  of;  on  north  end  of 
center  pier  of  iron  bridge  over  Sugar  Creek,  chiseled 

square 617.146 

Union  Mills,  2 miles  norlh  of;  0.4  mile  southeast  of  mouth 
of  McKim  Creek,  on  toj)  of  north  end  of  east  abutment  of 
ij’On  bridge  over  creek,  100  feet  north  of  Charles  Little’s 


572 


PllECISE  LEVELS 


blacksmith  shop,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘^C14  GRAFTON 

1903’’ 614.877 

Crisp  post  office,  0.4  mile  south  of;  at  road  intersection 
fi’om  southeast,  on  rock  near  creek,  east  side  of  road, 

chiseled  square 655.5 

Adlai  post  office,  75  feet  south  of  J.  H.  Fleming’s  house, 

135  feet  east  of  road,  in  rock,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘‘777 

GRAFTON  1903  ” 777.320 

Pike  post  office,  300  feet'  west  of  south  side  of  road  opposite 
first  telephone  pole  on  north  side  of  road,  on  stone,  chis- 
eled square  794.35 

West  Union  South  Along  Highway  via  Oxford,  Grove  and  Troy  to 

Leading  Creek. 

Feet. 

West  Union,  0.9  mile  west  of ; B.  & 0.  R.  R.  bridge  over  pike 

retaining  wall  of,  5th  step  from  top,  chiseled  square....  844.34 

West  Union,  5.5  miles  southwest  of;  large  dwelling  left  side 
of  road,  near,  outcrop,  of  rock,  bronze  tablet  maiked 

“881  GRAFTON”  881.534 

Oxford,  0.25  mile  south  of;  iron  bridge  over  right  fork  of 
Hughes  River,  in  south  east  corner  of  east  pier,  bronze 

tablet  marked  “814  GRAFTON” 814.678 

Grove,  in  northwest  corner  of  cut  stone  foundation  of  resi- 
dence of  C.  A.  Van  Horn,  bronze  tablet  marked  “918 

GRAFTON” , 917.822 

Coning ’s  post  office,  store  owned  by  H.  W.  Ryner,  southeast 
corner  of  cut  stone  foundation,  bronze  tablet  marked  “789 

GRAFTON” 788.760 

Troy,  0.25  mile  west  of;  mouth  of  Cove  Creek,  iron  bridge 
over  northeast  abutment  of,  bronze  tablet  marked  “758 
GRAFTON” :..  75^.953 

Pennshoro  South  Along  P.  and  H.  R.  R.  and  Highways  via  Goose  Neck 
to  Hazel  Greene,  thence  Southeast  to  Troy. 

Feet. 

Goose  Neck,  at  road  crossing,  top  of  rail 741.2 

Goose  Neck  0.1  mile  southwest  of;  at  south  end  of  foot 
bridge  over  Hugfies  River,  rock  cliff,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“732  GRAFTON” 732.860 

Pullman,  0.2  mile  west  of:  nortlieast  angle  of  crossi’oads, 
outcrop  of  rock,  bronze  tablet  marked  “843  GRAF- 
TON”   843.726 

Slab  post  office,  0.3  mile  northwest  of;  left  side  of  road, 

100  feet  north  of  small  run,  outcrop  of  rock,  top  of, 

chiseled  square 791.825 

H.azel  Green,  near  noilhwest  corner  of  store  and  post  office; 
in  stone  foundation,  bronze  tablet  marked  “742  GRAF- 
TON”   743.389 

Lawford,  stone  house  owned  and  occupied  by  Mr.  D.  G.  Law, 


WEST  VIliGiNiA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY  573 

in  northeast  corner  of;  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘‘820  GRAF- 
TON”  820.037 

Nevvberne,  0.5  mile  above,  school  house  by  forks  of  road,  in 
southeast  cornei'  of  foundation  of,  bronze  tablet  marked 

‘ ‘ 896  GRAFTON  ” 897.300 

Cox’s  Mills,  school  house,  (Ti’oy  dist.  No.  0),  northeast 
corner  of  stone  foundation,  bronze  tablet  marked  “788 
GRAFTON”  788.748 

Sand  Fork  West  Along  Highway  via  Glenville  to  DeKalb. 

Feet. 

Tmebada  post  office,  northeast  side  of  road  at  forks  to 

north,  on  stone,  chiseled  square 722.78 

Iron  Bridge  over  mouth  of  Stewarts  Creek,  southeast  corner, 

chiseled  square  on  stone 720.55 

Glenville,  bridge  over  Little  Kanawha  river,  in  top  stone 
of  middle  pier  on  east  side  of  bridge,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“733  GRAFTON” 732.737 

Mouth  of  Sycamore  Creek,  on  southeast  corner  of  east  abut- 
ment of  bridge  at,  square  ' 714.93 

Iron  bridge  across  Leading  Creek  near  mouth,  northwest 

corner  of  west  abutment,  square 722.50 

Bridge  across  mouth  of  Sinking  Creek,  northwest  corner  of 

stone  abutment,  chiseled  square  710.45 

DeKalb,  just  back  of  post  office;  in  southwest  corner  of 
residence,  on  second  course  of  masonry  foundation,  bronze 
tablet  marked  ‘ ‘ 715  GRAFTON  ” 714.028 

Glenville  Southeast  Along  Highway  to  Cutlips,  thence  West  to  Heater. 

Feet. 

Centerville,  4.2  miles  south  of;  northwest  abutment  of  iron 

bridge  over  Cedar  Creek,  square  cut  on 739.29 

Cedarville,  5.3  miles  northwest  of;  on  stone  at  ford  over 

Cedar  Creek,  chiseled  square  745.09 

Cedaiwille,  at  front  of  residence  now  owned  and  occupied  by 
W.  II.  Jack,  on  west  side  of  cut  stone  steps,  in  big  stone, 

aluminum  tablet  marked  “802  GRAFTON” 801.927 

Cedarville,  6 miles  southeast  of ; near  house,  to  left  of  road, 

on  big  stone,  chiseled  s({uare 821.90 

Hope,  about  2.5  miles  east  of;  at  forks  of  road  leading  up 

Tom’s  Run,  near  hickory  tree,  on  big  i-ock,  chisel  mark.  . . . 832.79 

Cutlip,  in  southwest  corner  of  cut  stone  foundation  of 

church,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “851  GRAFTON” 851.084 

Mouth  of  Tom’s  Run  Along  Highway  West  via  Hope  to  Stumptown, 
thence  North  via  Normantown  to  DeKalb. 

Feet. 

Hope,  post  office,  on  the  stone  foundation  of  old  log  stable 

chiseled  square  988.30 

German,  house  occupied  by  John  Seal  and  owned  by  C.  F. 


574 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


Gorwig,  in  southwest  corner  of  stone  foundation,  aluminum 

tablet  marked  ‘GSGl  GRAFTON” 8C0.744 

German,  6.2  miles  north  of;  at  forks  of  road,  school  house, 

on  stone  foundation  at  southwest  cornei*,  chiseled  square.  . 867.16 

Perkins,  to  right  of  roa,d  at  forks,  in  large  stone,  chis- 
eled square 770.56 

Perkins,  3.3  miles  west  of;  in  southwest  corner  of  stone 
foundation  of  school  house,  at  forks  of  road,  aluminum 

tablet  marked  ^‘741  GRAFTON” 741.015 

Stumptown,  0.5  mile  east  of;  at  forks  of  road  iron  bridge 
over  left  fork  of  Steer  Creek,  in  southeast  corner  of  east 

pier,  bronze  tablet  marked  ^'714  GRAFTON” 713.685 

Normantown,  at  forks  of  road  up  Steer  Creek,  on  stone, 

chiseled  square 736.18 

Letter  Gap,  south  angle  of  crossroads  ,at  north  corner  of 
dwelling  now  owned  and  occupied  by  A.  S.  W estf all,  in  top 
foundation,  stone,  northwest  face,  aluminum  tablet  marked 

‘CS27  GRAFTON”  826.782 

HANCOCK  AND  BROOKE  COUNTIES. 

Wellsville  and  Steubenville  Quad^'angles. 


The  elevations  in  the  following  list  are  based  upon  an  alumi- 
num tablet  at  the  southeast  corner  of  the  Jefferson  County 
Court  House  at  Steubenville,  Ohio,  marked  “716  STEUBEN- 
VILLE.” The  elevation  of  this  is  accepted  as  714.729  feet  above 
mean  sea  level  and  was  determined  from  the  Army  Engineers 
bench  mark  “67  A”  on  the  water  table  of  the  same  building,  the 
elevation  of  which  in  accord  with  the  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey 
adjustment  of  1903  of  precise  leveling  is  710.306  feet. 

The  initial  points  upon  which  this  leveling  depends  include 
other  bench  marks  of  the  Army  Engineers  precise  level  line 
along  the  Ohio  River  the  elevations  accepted  for  which  accord 
with  said  adjustment. 

The  leveling  on  the  Wellsville  quadrangle  was  done  in  1902 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Van  H.  Manning,  topographer,  by  Mr. 
A.  T.  Bagley,  levelman. 

The  leveling  on  the  Steubenville  (iuadrangle  was  done  in  1902 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  C.  F.  Cooke,  topographer,  by  Mr.  J.  E. 
Buford,  levelman. 

All  permanent  bench  marks  dependent  on  this  datum  arc 
marked  with  the  letters  “STEUBENVILLE”  or  “STBNVL”  m 
addition  to  the  figures  of  elevation. 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUliVEY 


575 


East  Liverpool,  0.,  via  Fairview,  W.  Va.,  to  New  Cumberland,  W.  Va. 

Feet. 


Cliester,  1 mile  south  of;  0.25  mile  east  of  Locust  Grove 
Cemeteryj  Allison  trianji-ulatioii  point,  bronze  tablet  in  top 

of  marble  post  marked  ^^1337  STLNVL” 1337.156 

Fairview,  on  the  nortli  side  of  Tri  State  Normal  School,  at 
base  of  stofie  frame  to  front  door  of;  aluminum  tablet 

marked  ‘^1196  STP>NVL” 1195.636 

New  Cumberland,  (U.  S.  A.  Engineer  Corps  bench  mark  ‘^56 
A”),  D.  S.  Scliiller  Foundry  Co’s  Works,  southwest  corner 
of.  Front  and  Ferry  streets,  in  west  end  of  door  step, 
chiseled  square 670.66 

Cross  Creek  Bridge  Northeast  to  Colliers,  thence  West  to  Hollidays 

Cove. 


Feet. 


Cross  Ci'eek,  3rd  bridge  over,  opposite  W abash  conci-ete 
bridge,  southeast  corner  of,  in  stone  abutment,  chiseled 

cross  672.400 

Colliers  station,  at  northwest  corner  of  bridge,  in  stone 

abutment  of,  aluminum  tablet  marked  ‘CS24  STBNVL”. . 823.597 

Hollidays  Cove,  0.5  mile  east  of;  bridge  marked  ^‘39”  Pan- 
handle Railroad,  in  southeast  corner,  in  coping  stone,  chis- 
eled cross 741.90 


Hollidays  Cove  Station  North  to  New  Cumberland. 

Feet. 

Zalia,  100  feet  south  of  church,  on  each  side  of  road,  opposite 
lower  end  of  Toronto  street  ferry,  in  big  bonldei-,  bronze 
tablet  marked  'W04  STP>NVL”.^. ' 703.720 


New  Cumberland  East  to  Carsons  Oil  Wells,  thence  Southwest  to 

Hollidays  Cove. 


Feet. 


New  Cumberland,  3.25  miles  east  of;  at  northeast  corner  of 

bridge,  “T”  cut  in  stone 735.14 

Comettsburg,  southwest  corner  of  Freshwater’s  house,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ‘‘1150  STBNVL” 1149.920 


School  House  on  Cross  Creek  via  Independence,  Pa.,  to  Wellsburg, 

W.  Va. 


Feet. 

Colliersville,  5 miles  south  of ; covered  bridge,  in  southwest 

corner  of  abutment,  cross  cut  in  stone 754.58 

rnde[)endence.  Pa.,  2.5  miles  northwest  of;  bridge  over  ci-eek, 
in  southeast  corner,  of,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “784 

STBNVL”  784.024 

Wellsburg,  W.  Va.,  1 mile  east  of;  stone  horse  block  in  front 
of  Jacob’s  house,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “1001 
STBNVL.” 1000.935 


576 


PBECISE  LEVELS 


BROOKE,  OHIO,  MARSHALL,  PLEASANTS,  WOOD,  WIRT  AND 
JACKSON  COUNTIES. 

Wheeling,  Cameron,  Waverly,  Guyandotte,  Parkershurg,  Milton 

and  Belleville  Quadrangles. 

The  elevations  in  the  following  list  are  based  upon  Coast 
and  Geodetic  Survey  bench  mark  at  Grafton,  W.  Va.,  a 

chiseled  square  on  the  top  of  the  north  side  of  the  central  pier 
of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  bride:e  over  Tygarts  Valley 
creek.  The  elevation  of  this  as  determined  by  the  bureau  by  the 
adjustment  of  1903  precise  leveling  is  996.856  feet  above  mean 
sea  level. 

The  initial  points  upon  which  these  levels  depend  are  various 
bench  marks  of  the  Army  Engineers  (Ohio  River  Survey)  and 
Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  (transcontinental)  precise  level  lines 
of  the  precise  level  net. 

The  leveling  on  the  Wheeling  quadrangle  was  done  in  1901 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  W.  C.  Hall,  topographer,  by  Mr.  W. 
A,  Freret,  Jr.,  levelman;  that  on  the  Cameron  quadrangle  was 
done  in  1902  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  W.  N.  Brown,  topog- 
rapher, by  Mr.  Geo.  L.  Gordon,  levelman ; that  on  the  Marietta 
and  Parkersburg  quadrangles  was  done  in  1902 ; and  thaf  on  the 
Guyandotte  quadrangle  in  1901  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  W.  N. 
Morrill,  topographer,  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Hodges,  levelman ; and  that 
on  the  Milton  quadrangle  was  done  in  1901  under  the  direction 
of  Mr.  W.  N.  Brown,  topographer,  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Hodges,  level- 
man  ; and  that  on  the  Belleville  quadrangle  was  done  in  1903  un- 
, der  the  direction  of  Mr.  W.  N.  Morrill,  topographer,  by  Mr.  John 
W.  Hodges,  levelman. 

All  permanent  bench  marks  dependent  on  this  datum  are 
marked  with  the  letters  “GRAFTON”  in  addition  to  the  figures 
of  elevation. 

The  bench  marks  on  the  Guyandotte  and  Milton  quadrangles 
were  stamped  to  read  about  2 feet  too  high,  due  in  part  to  error 
in  the  initial  line. 

Wheeling  Along  National  Pike  via  Elm  Grove  to  Triadelphia. 

Feet. 

Wheeling,  City  Building  north  front  of;  37  feel  east  of 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


577 


northwest  corner  of,  (U.  S.  Engineer  Corps  bench  mark,) 

No.  90  “A”,  chiseled  square 07(S.  250 

Wheeling,  1.1  miles  east  of  post  ollice.  Baker  street  bridge 
on  Wheeling  Creek,  soiilheaat  end  of  bi'idge,  on  soiithAvest 

corner  of  coi)ing  stone,  chisel  niailv 651.23 

Elm  Grove,  1 mile  southeast  of;  bridge  over  Little  Wheeling 
Creek,  near  its  junction  with  big  Wheeling  Creek,  on  top  of 

west  coping  wall,  in  third  stone  from  center,  cut 694.75 

Triadelphia,  M.  E.  Church,  brick  building,  southwest  corner 
of,  in  foundation  stone,  south  face,  aluminum  tablet 
marked  ‘W43  GRAFTON” 744.570 

Triadelphia  Along  Middle  "Wheeling  Creek  via  Twilight  to  Valley 

Grove. 

Feet. 

Twilight,  1.1  miles  northwest  of;  northeast  abutmeiif  of 
bridge  over  Wagners  Run,  northeast  corner  of  stone,  chisel 

mark 802.03 

Twilight,  3.1  miles  northeast  of;  near  junction  of  Haneytown 
pike  and  Middle  Creek  road;  bridge  over  Little  Wheeling 
Creek,  northeast  wing  retaining  wall  of,  corner  of  fourth 

stone  from  top,  chisel  mark 949.79 

Valley  Grove,  Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad  bridge  No.  174, 

Pittsburg  Division)  north  face  of  south  pile,  bronze  tablet 
marked  ‘ ^ 953  GRAFTON  ” 952.648 

Valley  Grove  Along  National  Pike  and  McGraw’s  Run  to  Bethany. 

Feet. 

Bethany,  5.1  miles  south  of;  6.5  miles  north  of  Valley  Grove, 
southeast  abutment  wall  of  wooden  1) ridge  over  Long  Run, 
on  southeast  corner  of  third  stone  from  toj),  chisel  mark.  . 1020.87 
Bethany,  2 miles  south  of;  northeast  corner  of  M.  E.  Church, 

southeast  front  step,  in  top  stone,  chisel  mark 954.32 

Bethany,  0.3  miles  west  of;  Bethany  College,  front  face  of 
building,  first  enti'ace  west  of  main  entrance,  north  side 
of  entrance,  east  face  stone,  water  table,  aluminum  tablet 
marked  ^‘932  GRAFTON  1901” 931.774 

Bethany  Along  Pike  to  Short  Creek. 

Feet. 

Bethany,  2.6  miles  west  of;  west  end  of  bildge  over  Buffalo 
' Creek,  noiih  wing  wall,  on  northeast  corner  of;  top  stone, 

chisel  mark 743.82 

Shortcreek,  brick  store  and  i)ost  office,  west  face  of,  25 
feet  from  southwest  coi'iier  and  tAvo  feet  above  ground, 

aluminum  tablet  marked  “6()8  GRAFTON  1901” 667.963 

Shortcreek,  0.1  mile  south  of;  Avest  side  of  railroad  track, 

Pittsburg,  Cincinnati,  Chicago  & St.  Louis  railroad 
bridge  No.  12,  over  Shortcreek  (Division  Line  between 
Brooke  and  Ohio  counties,  W.  Va.),  south  abutment  of. 


578 


PKECISE  LEVELS. 


eliiseled  square  on  top  of  marked  M”,  TJ.  S.  Engineers 
bench  mark  No.  81  A C52.724 


Moundsville  Easi  Along  Public  Eoads  via  Limestone  and  Benia  Sta- 
tion to  Rocklick. 


Feet. 


Moundsville,  (U.  S.  Engineer’s  be”,  i'l  mark  101  B)  Marshall 
county  courthouse;  in  front  e-t  building,  17.2  feet  east 
of  center  of  doorway,  on  top  of  water  table  of  foundation 

of  690.510 

Limestone,  dwelling  of  R.  11.  Peters,  (only  brick  building 
in  Limestone X;  front  of  foundation,  top  stone,  2.7  feet 
northwest  of  center  of  door,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘‘1377 

GRAFTON”  1376.762 

Pleasant  Valley,  0.4  mile  southeast  of;  brick  dwellinig,  (J. 

W.  Cunninigham ’s),  stone  at  front  gate,  top  of,  chiseled 

square  1317.03 

Beeler  Station,  first  step  above  stone  platform,  northeast 

corner,  chiseled  square  1356.52 


Rocklick  South  Along  Public  Roads  and  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Rail- 
road via  Cameron  and  Woodruff  to  Bellton. 

Feet. 

Rocklick,  0.3  mile  south  of;  south  side  of  south  east  corner 


of  schooliioiise,  second  stone,  aluminum  tablet  marked 

‘‘1464  GRAFTON”  1463.755 

Cameron,  l.S  miles  northeast  of;  M.  E.  Church  at  northeast 
angle  of  crossroads,  at  south  end  of  i-etaining  wall,  top 

of,  chiseled  square 1074.74 

Cameron,  wmst  end  of  brick  public  school  building,  water 
table  0.9  foot  north  of  southwest  corner,  bronze  tablet 

marked  “1170  GRAFTON” 1169.808 

Woodruff,  0.7  mile  northwest  of;  west  end  of  stone  culvert, 

center  of  top  of,  chiseled  square 1015.82 

Bellton,  0.1  mile  north  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  136,  north 
abutment,  southeast  corner,  2.7  feet  above  bridge  seat, 
bronze  tablet  marked  “888  GRAFTON” 887.505 


Bellton  West  Along  Public  Roads  via  Adaline  to  Lynn  Camp. 

Feet. 

Kausooth  post  office,  2.4  miles  west  of;  bridge  over  Big  Run, 
top  of  west  abutment,  12.5  feet  right  of  center  of  bridge, 
chiseled  square 768.32 

Lynn  Camp  North  Along  Public  Roads  and  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Rail- 
road via  Meilghen  and  Rosbysrock  to  Moundsville. 

Feet. 

Meiglien,  at  schoolhouse  No.  5,  east  side,  8 feet  from  south- 
east corner,  top  stone  of  foundation,  bronze  tablet  marked 
“691  GRAFTON” 

Rosbysrock,  at  Big  Grave  Creek;  iron  bridge  over,  northeast 


690.564 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


579 


abntiiuMit,  I ‘2  I'oet  southeast  of  center  of  bridj^'e,  1 foot 
l)elo\v  bridjie  seat,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘^770  GRAF- 
TON’’  778.214 

Rosbysj*oek,  4 miles  northwest  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  146 
over  Big  (ira\e  (beek,  south  al>utmeut,  top  of  northwest 

corner,  chiseled  scpiare 080.03 

Moundsville,  Marshall  County  Coint  House;  south  front  of, 

17.2  feet  east  of  center  of  doorway,  bronze  tablet  marked 
‘ ^ 090  GRAFTON ” ‘. 089.284 


Lone  Oak  School  House  North  Along  Public  Roads  to  Hazeldell 

School  House. 


(Single  spur  line.) 


Feet. 

Hazeldell  or  Irish  Ridge  School  House,  center  of  southwest 

corner  stone,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘M322  GRAFTON”..  1321.513 
Parkersburg  East  Along  Highway  via  Tallyho  to  Deerv^alk,  thence 


Northerly  via  Borland  to  WilloAV. 

Feet. 

Parkersburg,  (U.  S.  Engineers  bench  mark  No.  183  A)  corner 
of  5th  and  Julian  streets;  at  southeast  corner  of  U.  S.  Cus- 
tom House,  on  top,  of  foundation  water  table,  chiseled 

square _ 615.806 

Parkersburg  post  office  building;  on  south  side  of,  near  west 
end,  in  water  table,  bronze  tablet  marked  ^Hil6  GRAF- 
TON 1902’’ 615.639 

Parkersburg,  3.2  miles  east  of;  on  iouth  side  of  pike  on 

south  foundation  of  small  bridge,  chiseled  square 602.43 

Tallyho,  1.5  miles  southeast  of;  opposite  Shiloh  United 
Brethren  Chui’ch,  at  forks  of  road,  in  large  boulder, 
aluminum  tablet  marked  ”714  GRAETON  1902” 713.560 


Borland  post  office,  100  feet  east  of;  on  south  side  of 

Bull  Creek,  bronze  tablet  marked  ”683  GRAFTON  1902”.  682.728 

Willow  West  Along  South  tSide  of  Ohio  River  to  Williamstown  and 
Across  to  Marietta. 


Feet. 

Willow  Island,  station,  in  northeast  corner  of  foundation 
wall  of  Jos.  I.  Norris  dwelling,  aluminum  tablet  marked 
”615  GRAFTON  1901” 615.448 

Compton,  in  front  of  station,  top  of  rail 615. 

Williamstown,  South  Along  East  Side  of  Ohio  River  to  Parkersburg. 

Feet. 

Williamstown,  in  front  of  station;  toj)  of  i-ail 610. 

Polick,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 616. 

Kellar,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 613. 

Briscoe  station,  o})posite  public  highway  to  post  otRce,  in 
face  of  rock  ledge  facing  Ohio  River,  bronze  tablet  marked 
”594,  GRAFTON  1902” 593.662 


680 


PRECISE  LEVELS. 


Parkersburg  Along  Highway  South  via  Newport 

to  Rockport. 


and  Mineral  Wells 

Feet. 


Mineral  Wells,  1.2  miles  sor.thv/est  of;  in  face  of  abutment 
of  'small  iron  bridge  over  Bailey’s  Creek,  northwest  end, 

aluminum  tablet  marked  ‘^593  GI'  FTON  1903” 593.409 

Fountain  Springs,  north  abutment  of  ron  bri.’gj  over  Tygarts 


Creek,  top  of,  chiseled  square  622.34 

Saulsbury,  1.2  miles  south  of;  east  of  road,  on  northeast 
end  of  Valley  Belle  Schoolhouse,  on  top  of  corner  stone, 

chiseled  square 653.76 

Rockport,  opposite  schoolhouse  No.  2,  at  forks  of  road,  on 
top  of  lai’ge  rock,  aluminum  tablet  marked  ^^700  GRAF- 
TON 1903” 700.497 


Rockport  Along  Highv/ay  V/est  to  Belleville. 

Feet. 

Sloan,  0.2  mile  west  of;  on  rock  north  of  road,  chiseled 

square  726.89 

Oak  post  office,  0.8  mile  west  of ; on  stone  of  small  culvert 

on  north  side  of  road,  chiseled  square 619.74' 

Belleville,  0.8  mile  south  of;  0.2  mile  south  of  road  crossing, 
in  small  ravine  east  of  track,  on  top  of  rock,  aluminum 

tablet  marked  ‘ ^ 595  GRAFTON  1903  ” 595.172 

Pond  Creek,  (Army  Engineer’s  bench  mark  ^‘204  A”)  1200 

feet  north  of;  capstone  of  culvert,  northwest  corner....  599.227 


At  New  England. 

(Set  from  Army  Engineers  B.  M.  “195  A’\) 

Feet. 

New  England,  Ohio  River  railway  station,  0.5  mile  west  of; 
on  west  abutment  of  culvert  of  Ohio  River  railway,  1200 
feet  above  Mushapha  Island,  over  Beadle’s  Run,  7. 
feet  north  of  south  end  of  culvert,  23  feet  west  of  center 
of  railway,  and  .008  foot  higher  than  adjoining  Army 
Engineer’s  B.  M.,  aluminum  tablet  marked  ‘‘591  GRAF- 
TON 1903”  590.712 


Rockport  Along  Highway  South  to  V/iseburg,  thence  West  via  Cuba 

to  Sherman. 


Feet. 

Rockport,  1 mile  south  of;  on  southwest  abutment  of  small 

bridge  over  Tygarts  Creek,  chiseled  square 761.58 

Wiseburg,  240  feet  north  of  post  office,  north  side  of  road, 
on  top  of  rock,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “663  GRAFTON 

1903” 662.901 

Medina  post  office,  0.7  mile  west  of;  100  feet  west  of 
dwelling,  north  of  road,  near  small  bridge,  on  rock, 
chiseled  square  676.27 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


581 


Kenova  East  via  Huntington  and  Hurricane  to  Youngs  Store. 

Feet. 

Kenova,  Union  st alien  ; west  side  of  door  sill  of  main  waiting 

room,  alnininiim  tablet  marked  ‘‘5G7  K’’ 566.918 

Kellogg,  1.3  miles  east  of;  south  of  trac’k  on  small  culvert, 

chiseled  square 564.59 

Central  Station;  in  front  of;  top  of  soiitli  rail  of  south 

track  . . . . 549. 

Huntington,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  i-ail  of  south  track  565. 
Huntington,  southeast  corner  of  10th  street  and  2nd  Avenue, 
between  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  and  Ohio  River  railroads, 
brick  building  occupied  in  1(S99  b}^  Sehon  Blake  and 
Stevenson  Wholesale  Grocery  Company,  west  face  of  stone 
foundation,  18.8  feet  south  of  west  corner  and  1.5  feet 

below  floor,  (U.  S.  Engineers’  B.  M.  No.  307  A) 547.463 

Huntington  Court  House,  corner  of  Fourth  and  Eighth 
streets,  north  corner  of  east  entrance  to  court  house,  alumi- 
num tablet  marked  ‘U564  GRAFTON” 563.833 

Wilson  station,  3.1  miles  east  of;  in  southeast  abutment  of 
railway  bridge  over  Mud  river,  bronze  (ablet  marked  ‘^572 

GRAFTON’’  569.606 

Ona,  in  W.  T.  Sanford’s  dwelling,  on  north  east  corner  of 
foundation,  third  stone  from  ground,  bronze  tablet  marked 

''634  GRAFTON”  631.957 

Milton,  corner  of  Railroad  and  Pike  streets,  in  foundation 
stone  of  J.  S.  Kane’s  vacant  store  building,  southeast 
corner  of  street,  bronze  tablet  marked  "585  GRAFTON”.  583.226 

Walton  switch,  opposite  top  of  rail 623. 

Hurricane,  0.1  mile  west  of  station;  opposite  small  high- 
way bridge,  on  north  of  track,  on  top  stone  of  culvert, 

bronze  tablet  marked  "667  GRAFTON” 666.688 

Young’s  store,  first  house  south  on  south  side  of  road,  owned 
by  John  Hodges,  in  east  chimney  1 foot  from  ground,  cop- 
per bolt  marked  "737  G” ' 737.294 

Ceredo  South  Along  Norfolk  and  Western  Railway  to  Wayne. 

Feet. 

Buffalo  station,  southwest  abutment  of  bridge  over  Buffalo 
Creek,  7 feet  from  track,  aluminum  tablet  marked  "565 

GRAFTON”  562.455 

Buffalo,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 563. 

Shoals  station,  road  crossing,  top  of  rail 572. 

Lavalette,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  west  rail 565. 

Dickson  station,  op])osite  mail  ci’ane,  to])  of  rail 581. 

Ardell,  at  station;  opposite  mail  crane,  top  of  rail 588. 

Ardell  (Herbert  Post  Office)  West  Along  Road  to  Lockwood,  Ky. 

Feet. 


Ardell,  (Heuhert  post  office),  across  Twelvepole  Creek; 
opposite  IVL.  E.  Parsonage,  on  west  side  of  public  highway, 


582 


PE.ECISE  LEVELS. 


in  largo  boulder,  bronze  tablet  marked  ^‘591  GRAFTON”.  588.585 

Shoals  Northeast  to  Hodges. 

Feet. 

Hodges,  125  feet  north  of  road  ; opposite  John  Hodges  dwell- 
ing, on  east  of  road  leading  to  Huntington,  on  small 
bonlder,  aluminum  tablet  marked  ^‘710  GRAFTON” 708.184 

Herbert  East  Along  Road  to  Sarah,  thence  North  to  Wilson  Station. 

Feet. 

Herbert,  7.5  miles  northeast  of;  up  Bottom  Branch,  0.5 
mile  above  fork  of  road  leading  down  Millers’  Branch 
on  south  of  road  in  boulder,  bronze  tablet  marked  ‘‘623 


GRAFTON” 620.775 

Poppa,  west  of  road  nearly  opposite  post  office;  on  top  of 
large  boulder,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “612  GRAF- 
TON”  609.584 

Martha  post  office,  northeast  abutment  of  highway  bridge 
over  Guvandotte  River,  in  top  stone,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“563  GtRAFTON” 561.190 

Wilson  station,  3.1_  miles  east  of ; on  southeast  abutment  of 
Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroad  bridge  over  Mud  River, 
bronze  tablet  marked  “572  GRAFTON” 569.606 


Ona  South  via  Fudges  Creek  and  Cabell  Creek  to  Guyandotte  River 


at  Roach. 

(Single  spur  line.) 

Feet. 

Fudges  Creek  (post  office),  5 miles  south  of  Ona;  stone 
chimney  of.  2 stones  above  grade,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“736  GRAFTON” 733.360 

Hurricane  South  to  Nye,  thence  West  via  Hamlin  to  Sarah. 

Nye,  county  bridge  over  Trace  Fork  of  Mud  River;  in  top 
stone  of  northwest  pier  of;  bronze  tablet  marked  “625 

GRAFTON” .' 623.468 

Hamlin,  in  northeast  end  of  abutment  wall  of  bridge  over 
Mud  River,  third  stone  from  top,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“645  GRAFTON” 642.516 

Salt  Rock,  in  retaining  wall  of  highway  bridge  over  Guyan- 
dotte River;  northeast  end,  third  stone  from  top,  bronze 
tablet  marked  “586  GRAFTON” 586.536 


MARION,  TAYLOR,  HARRISON  BARBOUR,  UPSHUR,  DOD- 
DRIDGE, GILMER,  BRAXTON,  LEWIS  AND 
NICHOLAS  COUNTIES. 


Fairmont,  Philippi,  Weston,  Clarksburg,  Vndis,  Burnsville  and 
Flatwoods  Quadrangles. 

Tlio  various  initial  points  upon  which  those  levels  depend 
are  bench  marks,  of  the  precise  level  net,  established  by  the  Coast 


WEST  VIllGINlA  GEOLOGIOAL  SUKVEY 


583 


and  Geodotic  Sui-V(\y  and  the  Geological  Survey,  the  elevations 
accepted  for  viiich  being  also  in  accord  with  the  1903  adjusts 
nient. 

The  leveling  on  the  Fairmont  and  Philippi  quadrangles  was 
done  in  1901  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  W.  C.  Hall,  topographer, 
by  IMr.  Geo.  L.  Gordon,  levelman ; that  on  the  Clarksburg  and 
Weston  quadrangles  was  done  in  1901  under  the  direction  of 
Mr.  W.  N.  Morrill,  topographer,  by  Mr.  J.  H.  Hodges,  levelman; 
and  that  on  the  Vadis,  Burnsville  and  Flatwoods  quadrangles  in 
1902  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  A.  M.  Walker,  topographer,  by 
Mr.  Geo.  L.  Gordon,  levelman. 

All  permanent  bench  marks  depending  on  this  datum  are 
marked  with  the  letters  ‘‘GRAFTON”  in  addition  to  the  figures 
of  elevation. 

Fairmont,  via  Farmington,  Monongah,  Eootbsville  and  Headland, 

. ,,,  I . to  Bridgeport 


Fairmont,  0.32  mile  east  of;  suspension  bridge  over  Monon- 
galiela  River,  north  end  of,  northwest  corner  of  east 

revetment  wall,  chiseled  square  on  stone 902.51 

Fairmont,  2.4  miles  west  of;  wooden  bridge  over  Ice’s  Run, 
west  wall  of,  on  northeast  corner  of  top  stone,  chiseled 

square  9SG.18 

Fairmont,  3.9  miles  west  of;  iron  bridge  over  Buffalo  Creek, 
north  abutment  wall  of,  2 feet  east  of  southwest  corner 

of,  chiseled  square  918.03 

Katy,  1.5  miles  west  of;  George’s  Creek  Coal  and  Iron  Com- 
pany’s Shaft  Building,  southeast  corner  of  retaining  wall, 

on  top  stone,  chiseled  square 956. G1 

Farmington,  George’s  Creek  Coal  and  Iron  Corhpany’s  store, 
northeast  corner  of,  front  face  of  water  table,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ‘‘952  GRAFTON  1901” 951.710 

Faimington,  5.6  miles  south  of;  iron  bridge  over  Monon- 
gahela  River,  northwest  pier,  southeast  c^omer  of  top 

stone,  chiseled  square 892.13 

Monongah,  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad  Plate  Girder  Bridge 
over  Booths  Creek,  west  face  of  north  pier,  2 feet  from 
southwest  corner,  in  seventh  stone  from  top,  bronze 

tablet  marked  “874  GRAFTON” 873.916 

Eldora,  1.5  miles  south  of;  on  road  from  right,  iron  bridge 
over  Booths  Creek,  north  abutment  wall,  0.7  foot  from 

southwest  corner,  in  top  stone,  chiseled  square 953.38 

Boothsville,  covered  bridge  over  Hustead’s  Fork,  west  face 
of  north  abupnent,  3,5i  feet  from  southwest  corner  and 


584 


PRECISE  LEVELS. 


4.5  feet  from  top,  bronze  tablet  marked  ^‘954  GRAF- 
TON”  954.130 

Bootlisville,  3.1  miles  south  of ; wooden  bridg-e  over  Hnsteads 
Fork,  in  south  corner  of  northeast  abutment,  chiseled 

square  1017.67 

Bootlisville,  7.1  miles  south  of;  50  feet  east  of  crossroads, 
bridge  over  Hnsteads  Fork,  west  abutment,  northeast 

corner,  chiseled  square 1310.16 

Meadland,  brick  house  oivned  by  L.  J.  Stark,  front  or  east 
face  of,  foundation  1 foot  from  northeast  corner  of,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ^‘1319  GRAFTON” 1318.530 

Bridgeport,  railroad  bridge  No.  6 over  Simpson’s  Creek,  west 
abutment  of,  south  end,  third  stone  from  top  and  second 
above  bridge  seat,  center  of  east  face  of,  bronze  tablet 
marked  ‘'979  GRAFTON” 978.773 

Grafton  via  Webster,  Simpson,  Flemington,  Rosemont,  Oral  and 
Bridgeport  to  Clarksburg. 

Feet. 

Grafton,  Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad  bridge  over  Tygarts 
Valley  Creek:  on  top  of  north  side  of  central  pier  (U.  S. 

Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  bench  mark),  chiseled  square. . 996.856 

Webster,  Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad  bridge  No.  2 over 
Bartlett’s  Creek,  south  abutment  wall  of,  third  stone  from 
top,  northeast  face  of,  1.15  feet  from  east  corner,  bronze 

tablet  marked  “1014  GRAFTON” 1013.770 

Webster,  (5.5  miles  west  of  Grafton;)  trestle  No.  2^/2,  on 
corner  stone,  chisel  mark  (Coast  Survey  bench  mark  No. 

XXXI,)  1082.623 

Rosemont,  road  crossing  near  station;  ground 1003. 

(Line  continued  along  turnpike  to  avoid  tunnel.) 
Clarksburg,  post  office,  corner  Pike  and  Third  streets;  north- 
west corner.  2 feet  above  gi'ound,  aluminum  tablet  marked 

“1006  GRAFTON” ‘. 1007.699 

Monongahela  Junction  to  Monongah. 

, Feet. 

Glen  Falls,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 932.0 

Meadowbrook,  ir(>n  raihvay  bridge,  northwest  corner  of  abut- 
ment marked  “ B M ” . . . . 922.97 

Gypsy,  in  front  of  station ; top  of  rail 915.0 

Shinnston,  west  branch  of  Monongahela  river,  highway 
brids’e  over,  southwest  corner  of  retaining  wall,  bronze 

tablet  marked  “909  GRAFTON  1901”.. 910.461 

Worthington,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 896.0 

Worthington,  southwest  abutment  of  highway  bridge,  south 
end  of,  on  top  seat,  bronze  tablet  marked  “898  GRAFTON 

1901” 899.236 

Highland,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 892.0 

Monongah,  west  branch  of  Monongahela  river,  highway 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


585 


bridii'C  over,  on  top  of  southeast  abutment  of,  chiseled 

square  

Enterprise,  Up  Bingamon  Creek  West  and  South  via  Wyatt,  Margaret 
(Henpeck)  and  Brown  to  Lynchburg. 

Feet. 

Enterprise,  5.4  miles  west  of;  highway  covered  bridge  over 
Bingamon  Creek,  on  southeast  corner  of  retaining  wall, 

chiseled  s({nare  947.36 

Margaret,  Quaker  Fork  of  Bingamon  Creek,  covered  highway 
bridge  over,  in  northwest  corner  of,  bronze  tablet  marked 

‘‘1032  GRAFTON  1901’’ 1032.220 

Irving,  at  road  crossing  near  station;  (Short  line  railway) 

top  of  rail 1016. 

Browns,  0,2  mile  west  of ; Short  Line  Railroad  bridge  over 
Little  Ten-Mile  Creek  (Trestle  404),  southwest  abutment 
of,  in  top  of  capstone,  bronze  tablet  marked  “999  GRAF- 
TON 1901” 999.183 

Clarksburg,  West  via  Adamston,  Wilsonburg,  Wolf  Summit  to 

L3mchburg. 

Feet. 

Adamston,  (Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad)  0.05  mile  west  of; 
northeast  coiner  of  trestle  No.  9,  top  stone  of,  chiseled 

square  960.68 

Wilsonburg,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 984.0 

Wilsonburg,  0.5  mile  west  of;  on  small  culvert  south  of  track, 

chiseled  square 997,66 

Reynoldsville,  at  I'oad  crossing  near  station 1101.0 

Wolf  Summit,  Wm.  M.  Dolan’s  store,  southeast  corner  of,  in 
end  of  stone  curbing,  bronze  tablet  marked  “1133  GRAF- 
TON 1901” 1134.512 

Bridgeport  via  Eerryburg,  Switzer  and  Pleasant  Creek  to  Webster. 

Feet. 

Berryburg,  Southern  Coal  and  Transportation  Company 
Tipple,  retaining  wall  of,  west  of  tiiqde  and  in  front  of 
power  house,  fourth  stone  from  top,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“1390  GRAFTON” 1389.50 

Switzer,  1.1  miles  northeast  of;  east  side  of  })ike,  residence 
of  B.  H.  Woodford,  stone  gate  step,  on  southeast  corner, 

chiseled  square  '. 1447.69 

Pleasant  Creek,  brick  residence  of  A.  I.  Cole,  west  corner  of 
stone  foundation,  fifth  stone  from  top  and  fourth  from 
ground,  1.45  feet  from  corner,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“1170  GRAFTON”  1170.044 

Switzer  via  Philippi  to  Pecksrun. 

Feet. 

Switzer,  4 miles  south  of;  covered  bridge  over  Tygarts  Val- 
ley River,  east  abutment  wall,  northwest  corner  of  top 
stone,  chiseled  square 1308.01 


586 


PREOISE  LEVELS. 


(Line  continues  along  Main  street.) 

Philippi,  brick  school  h.ouse,  north  side  of  front  entrance  to, 
center  north  face  of  foundation  stone,  bronze  tablet 


marked  ‘‘1311  GRAFTON” 1310.685 

Philippi,  10.4  miles  south  of;  (Ruckhannon  or  Tyg-arts  Junc- 
tion) Tyg-arts  Valley  River,  Plate  Girder  Bridge  No.  1 
over,  west  abutment  of,  north  side  of,  first  stone  above 
bridgfe  bed,  in  center  of  east  face,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“1334  GRAFTON” 1333.540 

Volga,  3.2  miles  west  of  Malta,  Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad 
bridge  over  Wash  Run,  north  abutment  of,  east  face  of,  in 
center  of  third  stone  from  top,  bronze  tablet  marked 

“1404  GRAFTON” 1403.859 

Volga,  2.5  miles  west  of;  bridge  over  Pecksrun,  north  abut- 
ment of,  west  side,  northwest  corner  of,  second  stone 

from  top,  chiseled  square 1405.46 

Pecksrun,  post  office,  (or  Hodgeville)  bridge  over  Pecks- 
run, south  abutment,  northwest  corner  of,  on  west  side  of, 
second  stone  from  corner,  chiseled  square 1419.27 


Pecksrun  via  Peel  Tree  and  Overfield,  to  Pepper. 

Feet. 

Peel  Tree,  residence  of  Dr.  Isaac  Smitli ; retaining  wall  in 
front  of,  at  opening  for  steps,  west  face  of  south  wall, 
third  stone  above  thii-d  step  from  sideAvalk,  in  center  of. 


bronze  tablet  marked  “1069  GRAFTON” 1068.789 

Peel  Tree,  2.9  miles  noilh  of;  Dever  Pickens’  dwelling, 
stone  stile  in  front  of,  third  step  from  bottom,  chiseled 

square  1093.66 

Peel  Tree,  4.4  miles  north  of;  iron  bridge  OA^er  Elk  Creek, 

noiJh  abutment,  southeast  corner  of,  chiseled  square....  1023.10 
Overfield,  3.1  miles  northeast  of;  Cletns  Stout’s  dwelling, 
east  side  of  stone  stile  in  front  of,  on  north  end  of 
bottom  step,  chiseled  square 1103.11 


Pecksrun  to  Buckhannon. 

Feet. 

Buckhannon,  Unshur  county  court  house,  front  entrance, 

Avest  side  of,  l.ase  of  block  of  souare  column,  in  center  of 

west  face,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “1433  GRAFTON”..  1432.881 


Buckhannon  to  Riualdale. 

Ruraldale,  0.6  mile  Acest  of;  near  fork  of  road  by  old  mill, 
200  feet  east  of  residence  of  V.  PI.  Regar,  in  face  of  large 
rock,  bronze  tablet  majkofl  “1121  GRAFTON  1901”.... 


Feet. 


1122.118 


Ruraldale  via  Jolm3tov>Ti,  Quiet  Dell,  etc.  to  West  Milford. 

Feet. 

Johnstown,  0.1  mile  west  of;  ledge  ('f  rock  north  of  roa<l, 
in  face  of,  bronze  tablet  maiked  “1062  GRAFTON 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


587 


lOOr’ 1062.946 

Quiet  Dell,  0.5  mile  south  of;  GOO  feet  from  crossroads; 
lar^e  boulder  on  Avest  of  road,  aluiiiiinim  tablet  in  top 

marked  ‘M050  GRAFTON  19010^ 1050.77cS 

West  Milford,  highway  bridge  over  West  Fork,  southwest 
corner  of,  on  top  of  bridge  seat,  bronze  tablet  marked 
‘0)79  GRAFTON  1901’’... 979.36.3 

Clarksburg  to  West  Milford. 

West  Milford  South  Along  High\va3rs  to  Weston. 


(The  error  elistrihuted  in  this  line  is  excessive.) 

Feet. 

Jane  Lew,  W.  Va..  southeast  end  of  railway  bridge  over 
Hacker’s  Creek,  first  stone  below  bridge  seat,  on  top  of, 

aluminum  tablet  marked  “1007  GRAFTON  1901” 1006.997 

Weston  Along  Road  t-o  Ruraldale. 

Feet. 

Weston,  southwest  pier  of  Baltimore  & Ohio  railroad  bridge 
over  West  Fork;  first  stone  below  bridge  seat,  bronze 
tablet  marked  “1017  GRAFTON  1901” 1017.740 

West  Union  Along  Pike  to  Point  2.2  Miles  Southeast  of  New  Milton. 

(Mean  of  direct  and  reverse  lines.) 

Feet. 

U.  S.  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  bench  mark  “N”  Baltimore 
& Ohio  railroad  bndge  over  Middle  Island  Creek,  on  top 


of  the  southwest  corner  of  pier  of.  chiseled  square 804.862 

Sugarcamp,  0.5  mile  southeast  of;  iron  bridge  over  Middle 
Island  Creek,  southwest  corner  of  east  abutment,  bronze 
tablet  marked  “8.30  GRAFTON” 829.9,50 


Poiint  2.2  Miles  Southeast  of  New  Milton  Southeast  Along  Pike  via 
Axvon  and  Churchville  to  Weston. 

Feet. 

Avon,  0.2  mile  southeast  of;  covered  bridge  over  Middle 

Island  Creek,  north  abutment,  west  end,  chiseled  square.  . 867.34 

Churchville,  0.55  mile  southeast  of;  left  side  of  main  road 
to  Weston,  west  side  of  middle  of  large  rock,  aluminum 
tablet  marked  “972  GRAFTON” 971.906 

Weston  West  AJong  Road  via  Alumbridge  and  Linn  to  Mouth  of  Fink 
Creek,  thence  North  via  Hur.st  to  New  Milton. 

Feet. 

Camden,  op])osite  post  office,  in  fi-ont  yard  to  P.  E.  Fetty’s 
house,  8.5  feet  west  of  porch  and  1 foot  south  of  fence, 

iron  post  m'^rked  “1096  GRAFTON” 1095.782 

Alumbridge,  Alu.m  Fork  of  Leading  Ci'eek,  at;  iron  bridge 
over;  southeast  corner  west  abutment,  bronze  tablet 

mai-ked  “810  GRAFTON” 

Linn,  1.75  miles  northwest  of;  iron  bridge  over  Fink  Creek, 


810.172 


588 


PRECISE  LEVELS. 


east  abutment,  northwest  corner  of  bridge  seat,  bronze 

tablet  marked  '‘766  GRAFTON” ' 766.091 

Hurst,  cliff  at,  facing  south;  4.5  feet  below  top  of,  bronze 

tablet  marked  "815  GRAFTON,, 814.958 

Avon  East  via  Country  Road  tov/ards  Big  Isaac. 

Feet. 

Avon,  1.8  miles  southeast  of;  forks  of  road- at  Double  Camp 

Run,  north  angle,  iron  post  marked  "884  GRAFTON”..  884.007 

• 

Weston  Along  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  and  Highways  South  to 
Arnold,  thence  Southeast  to  Burnsville,  thence  North- 
westerly Along  Highways  via  Sandyfork  to  Linn. 

Feet. 

Weston,  0.45  mile  south  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  25  C,  south 

abutment,  northeast  corner,  chiseled  square 1017.67 

Brownsville,  covered  bridge  at;  3.4  miles  south  of  Weston, 
west  abutment  of  bridge,  northeast  corner,  chiseled 

square  1028.11 

Rohrburg,  in  front  of  station;  top  of  rail 1036.5 

Watson  crossing,  top  of  rail 1049.0 

Roanoke,  0.4  mile  north  of;  iron  bridge  over  Canos  river, 

north  abutment,  southeast  corner,  chiseled  square 1048.25 

Roanoke,  1.8  miles  southwest  of;  0.6  mile  northeast  of  Arn- 
old, raili’oad  Itridge  No.  38  B over  Monongahela  river, 
southwest  corner  of  southwest  pier,  bronze  table  marked 

"1058  GRAFTON” 1057.970 

Confluence,  2.6  miles  northeast  of;  4.6  miles  southwest  of 
Arnold,  on  Second  Big  Run,  railroad  bridge  No.  43  A, 
over,  southwest  corner  of  east  abutment,  chiseled  square.  . 803.18 

Confluence,  0.4  mile  northeast  of ; railroad  bridge  No.  46  A. 

(opposite  forks  of  county  road),  north  corner  of  pier, 

chiseled  square  777.26 

Confluence,  0.8  mile  southwest  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  47  A, 
at  forks  of  road,  northwest  corner  of  west  pier,  chiseled 

square  775.67 

Confluence,  4.2  miles  southwest  of;  0.5  mile  north  of  Burns- 
ville, railroad  bridge  over  Little  Kanawha  river.  No.  50  A, 
top  of  east  corner  of  northeast  pier,  bronze  tablet  marked 

"765  GRAFTON” 764.616 

Stouts  Mills,  iron  bridge  over  Little  Kanawha  river,  north- 
west corner  of  east  abutment,  brcnze  tablet  marked  "750 

GRAFTON” 749.874 

Linn,  near,  iron  bildge  over  T ending  ('reek;  southeast  corner 

of  north  abutment,  chiseled  square 774.80 

Burnsville  Southeast  .Along  Road  to  Bulltown,  thence  West  to  Point 
1 Mile  North  of  Rollyson. 

Foet. 

Bulltown,  Little  Kanawha  liver  at;  covei'ed  bridge  ovei' 

Little  Kanawha  river,  north  of  west  abutment,  9.8  feet 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


580 


belcnv  .bridge  seal,  and  8.1  feet  west  of  corner,  bronze 

tablet  marked  ‘^777  GRAFTON” 776.788 

Rollyson,  0.01  mile  north  of ; railroad  bridge  No.  57  D,  north- 
east coi'ner  of  south  abutment  of  bridge  seat,  bronze  tablet 
marked  ^‘797  GRAFTON” 796.934 


Burnsville  South  Along  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  and  Highways 

to  Rollyson. 


Feet. 


Burnsville,  1.7  miles  south  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  52  A,  over 
Salt  Lick  Fork,  northwest  corner  of  south  abutment, 

chiseled  square 765.14 

Cozers,  3.4  miles  south  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  55  D,  over 
Salt  Lick  Fork,  northeast  corner  of  south  abutment, 

chiseled  square 785.71 

Cozers,  5 miles  south  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  57  D,  northeast 

corner  of  south  abutment,  chiseled  square 796.92 


Rollyson  South  Along  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  and 
Roads  to  Birch  River. 

Heaters,  highway  bridge  over  Bryan’s  Fork  at;  southeast 

corner  of  west  abutment,  chiseled  square 

Shaversville,  Dr.  B.  M.  Squire’s  Drug  Store;  0.8  foot  west  of 
and  3.5  feet  south  of  northwest  corner,  iron  post  marked 

‘‘1071  GRAFTON” 1070.900 

Flatwoods,  1.6  miles  south  of;  railroad  bridge  No.  64  B, 

northeast  corner  of  south  abutment,  chiseled  scjuare....  1052.07 
Sutton,  2.3  miles  north  of  ; 3.7  miles  south  of  Flatwoods, 
railroad  bridge  No,  66  D,  northeast  corner  of  south  abut- 
ment, chiseled  square 863.42 

Sutton,  suspension  bridge  over  Elk  river  at;  north  face  of 
north  tower,  0.9  foot  above  foundation  and  2.4  feet  east 

of  corner,  bronze  tablet  marked  “843  GRAFTON” 842.840 

Sutton,  8.05  miles  south  of;  about  160  feet  north  of  Bear 
Run,  50  feet  north  of  road  forks,  left  side  of  road,  out- 
crop of  rock,  bronze  tablet  marked  “1073  GRAFTON”..  1072.938 

Line  Leaves  Road  and  Crosses  Fields  and  Little  Birch  River,  to  Mouth 
of  Laurel  Run,  thence  by  Road  up  Run. 

Feet. 

Bii’ch  river,  300  feet  north  of  post  office,  on  east  side  of 
Powell  Creek,  0.2  mile  north  of  mouth,  opposite  Ivan 
Brothers  and  Brown’s  store,  in  outcrop  of  rock,  aluminum 
tablet  marked  “1108  KNWA” 1108.728 

KANAWHA,  CLAY,  NICHOLAS,  FAYETTE  AND  GREENBRIER 

COUNTIES. 

Kanau'ha  Falls  and  Nicholas  Quadrangles. 

The  following  ehwations  are  based  on  a bronze  tablet  set  in 


County 

Feet. 

865.22 


590 


PRECISE  LEVELS. 


Lock  No.  2,  Kanawha  River,  marked  “614  KNWA.,”  the  eleva- 
tion of  which  is  accepted  as  614.205  feet  above  mean  sea  level. 
This  elevation  is  based  on  a United  States  Engineer’s  bench 
mark,  also  set  in  Lock  No.^2. 

The  leveling  was  done  under  the  general  direction  of  Mr. 
Albert  Pike,  topographer,  by  Mr.  Hargraves  Wood,  levelman. 

All  bench  marks  dependent  upon  this  datum  are  marked 
with  the  letters  “KNWA,”  in  addition  to  their  figures  of  eleva- 
tion. 

Lock  No.  2,  Kanawha  River,  East  on  Kanawha  and  Michigan  Railway 
to  Ganley  Bridge,  thence  on  Chesapeake  and  Oliio  Rail- 
way up  Gauley  River  via  Belva  to  Zela. 

Feet. 

Kanawha  River,  Lock  2,  near  north  end  and  in  east  face  of 


masonry;  bronze  tablet,  marked  ^‘614  KNWA” 614.205 

Ilarewood,  600  feet  east  of  coal  tipple;  north  end  of  culvert 
of  Kanawha  and  Michigan  Railway,  in  top  of  coping; 
aluminum  plug,  marked  “638  KNWA” 637.928 


Kanawha  Falls,  180  feet  south  of  flag  station  of  Kanawha 
and  Michigan  Railway  and  200  feet  north  of  road  cross- 
ing of  railroad,  on  west  side  of  Kanawlia  and  Michigan 
Railway,  nearly  opposite  house  of  T.  W.  Farley ; in  face  of 
rock  at  base  of  cliff;  bronze  tablet,  marked  “667  KNWA”  667.121 
Gauley  Bridge  station,  on  Toledo  and  Ohio  Central  Railway, 
at  west  end  of  bridge  over  highway,  in  south  face  of 


abutment  at  top  step  of  wing  wall;  aluminum  tablet, 

marked  “677  Kanawha”.  677.086 

Belva,  Nicholas  road  station;  at  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Rail- 
way bridge  over  Gauley  River,  in  south  abutment  of  south 

face;  bronze  tablet,  marked  ^Hll  KNWA” 710.506 

Belva,  4.8  miles  east  of,  also  1/2  mile  northeast  of  mouth  of 
Elk  Creek,  15  feet  northwest  of  road;  aluminum  plug  in 

ledge  of  rock,  marked  “752  KNWA” 751.806 

Lockwood,  0.1  mile  west  of;  on  north  side  of  road  opposite 
L.  N.  Simm’s  house;  200  feet  east  of  R.  L.  Dickson’s  house, 
at  east  foot  of  Summers  Hill;  in  ledge  of  rock  on  north 


side  of  road;  bronze  tablet,  marked  “1088  KNWA”....  1087.625 
Lockwood,  % mile  east  of;  at  top  of  hill  100  feet  east  of 

church;  stone  at  root  of  oak  tree,  marked  ”1260” 1259.83 

Winston,  % mile  east  of;  100  feet  west  of  Jones  Fork,  on 
east  side  of  church  on  north  side  of  road ; nail  in  root  of 


small  oak  tree,  maked  ”1180” 1180.21 

Zela,  0.1  mile  east  of  and  300  feet  west  of  Crosslanes  I’oad; 
in  field  50  feet  south;  laige  sandstone  rock  in  whicli  alum- 
inum tablet  is  placed,  marked  ”1267  KNWA” 1267.646 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLCXHCAL  SURVEY 


501 


Zela  East  on  Piko  to  SummersviUe. 

Feet. 

Gilboa,  0.1  mile  east  of;  roek  on  north  side  of  road  100 

feet  west  of  Me  Vine’s  Braneli,  marked  ^M209” 1298.54 

Gilboa,  1.3  miles  cast  of;  200  feet  west  of  top  of  hill,  on 
north  side  of  road ; nail  in  root  of  lar^>’e  chestnut  tree, 


marked  ‘M508”  1508.23 

Gilboa,  2.5  miles  east  of;  on  north  side  of  road,  opposite 
mill  and  road  rnnning  south;  nail  in  root  of  small  white- 

oak  tree,  marked  “1496” 1496.24 

Enon  post  office,  1 mile  east  of ; at  crossin;^:  of  Pine  Run  and 
northwest  angle  of  road  to  Mnddlety  Creek;  nail  in  root  of 

sycan¥)re  tree,  marked  “1525” 1525.05 

SummersviUe;  court  house  front;  at  east  side  of  door  in  base 
of  pilaster,  alimiinum  tablet  marked  “1894  KNWA”. . 1893.808 


Zela,  via  Keslers  Crosslanes  and  Oarnifas  Ferry,  to  Mount  Lookout. 

Feet. 

Zela,  3.3  miles  souUi  of;  top  of  mountain,  head  of  Whitewater 
Creek,  north  side  of  road ; nail  in  root  of  white-oak  tree . 

marked  “1662”  1661.80 

Keslers  Crosslanes,  at  store  and  crossroads  600  feet  south  of; 

100  feet  south  of  S.  P.  Cam.pbell’s  house,  on  west  side  of 
road  in  ledge  of  rock;  brass  plug,  marked  “1567  KNWA”  1567.409 
Keslers  Crosslanes,  1 mile  south  of;  road  running 
east  and  west ; at  northeast  angle,  nail  in  root  of 


white-oak  tree  bearing  sign  “To  SummersviUe,  8 miles,” 

marked  ' ^ 1553  ” 1552.53 

Keslers  Crosslanes,  2 miles  south  of;  on  east  side  of  road, 
opposite  settlement  road;  nail  in  root  of  black-ash  tree, 

marked  “1081”  1680.900 

Carnifax  Ferry;  south  side  of  Gauley  River,  east  side  mouth 
of  Meadow  River,  west  side  of  remd  to  Mount  Ijookout; 
nail  in  root  of  small  white-birch  tree,  marked  “1190”.  ..  . 1189.77 
Carnifax  I'en-y,  1.2  miles  south  of  and  200  feet  north  of  big 
cliff,  on  east  side  of  road;  nail  in  root  of  white-oak  tree, 

marked  “1503”  1503.17 

Carnifax  Ferry,  2.2  miles  south  of;  on  east  side  of  road, 
opposite  house;  nail  in  root  of  beech  tree  at  gate,  marked 

''1866”  1866.32 

Mount  Lookout,  at  east  side  of  road  to  Pool  and  north  side 
of  road  to  SummersviUe;  spike  in  stump  of  large  oak  tree, 

marked  “1964”  1964.16 

Mount  Lookout,  1.1  miles  southeast  of;  angle  to  road  running 

southwest;  nail  in  ro(d  of  poplar  tree,  marked  “2038”."  2037.12 


Mount  Lookout,  via  Pool,  to  Fowlers  Knob. 

Feet. 

Mount  Lookout,  1.6  miles  south  of;  schooUiouse  250  feet 


592 


PEECISE  LEVELS. 


south  of;  on  east  side  of  road;  small  ledge  of  rock;  alumi- 
num plug  in,  marked  ‘‘2069  KNWA^’ 2069.402 

Mount  Lookout,  2.8  miles  southeast  of;  road  runninig  south; 

stone  at  northwest  corner,  marked  “2101’’  on  stump....  2100.458 
Pool,  0.1  mile  north  of;  on  east  side  of  road;  nail  in  ches- 

nut  marked  “2145” 2145.40 

Pool,  2.6  miles  north  of;  road  south  to  Russellville,  at  top  of 

hill;  nail  in  wood  plug  at  base  of  signboard 2394.24 

Fowlers  Knob,  400  feet  south  of;  on  east  side  of  road,  just 
north  of  small  branch ; aluminum  plug  in  large  ledge  of 

rock,  marked  “2195  KNWA” 2195.382 

Fowlers  Knob,  1 mile  south  of;  opposite  small  house  0.2  mile 
north  of  Homing  Falls  road ; nail  in  root  of  stump  on  east 
side  of  road,  marked  “2338” 2338.29 

Fowlers  Knob,  via  Anglins  Creek  Bridge  and  Millers  Ferry,  to 

Russellville. 

Feet. 

Fowlers  Knob,  2.5  miles  south  of;  road  running  south,  at 

southeast  angle;  nail  in  chestnut,  marked  “2215” 2215.217 

Fowlers  Knob,  3.1  miles  south  of ; road  running  west,  at  store 

at  southwest  angle;  stone,  marked  “2208” 2207.78 

Fowlers  Knob,  4 miles  south  of ; 3 miles  north  of  Anglins 
Creek  bridge,  opposite  milldam  on  west  side  of  road;  nail 

in  locust,  marked  “1923” 1922.94 

Fowlers  Knob,  5.2  miles  south  of;  about  1 mile  north  of  Mil- 
lers Ferry,  top  of  mountain  on  east  side  of  road;  chestnut, 

marked  “2307” 2306.86 

Millers  Ferry  over  Meadow  River,  0.1  mile  north  of;  on  east 
side  of  river  on  west  side  of  road ; aluminum  plug  in  ledge 
of  rock,  marked  “1905  KNWA” 1904.943 

Russellville,  Over  Mountain,  to  Riverside. 

Feet. 

Russellville,  90  feet  north  of ; on  east  side  of  road,  west  side 
of  river;  aluminum  tablet  in  ledge  of  rock,  marked  “1900 

KNWA”  1900.123 

Russellville,  3.7  miles  south  of;  on  east  side  of  road  between 
log  house  and  frame  house ; nail  in  root  of  chestnut,  marked 

“2721”  2721.26 

Russellville,  4.7  miles  south  of  and  60  feet  north  of  church; 
south  side  of  road  running  south  to  Clitftop;  nail  in  maple, 

marked  “2782”  278L81 

Russellville,  6.7  miles  south  of;  top  of  mountain  300  feet 
north  of  school  house;  nail  in  tree  on  east  side  of  road 

marked  “2982”  2982.09 

Riverside  at  Meadow  River,  150  feet  norl Invest  of;  ford  800 
feet  east  of;  on  west  side  of  road,  between  house  and  barn, 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGIO-AL  SURVEY 


593 


one  of  several  ledges  of  rock;  iilumiimm  plug  in,  inarkc';! 

‘‘2324  KNWA”  2324.014 

Riverside,  2 miles  cast  of;  at  fork  of  road,  running  north- 
west; nail  in  locust  bearing  sign  “to  Riverside  2 miles,’’ 

“to  Russellville  12,”  “to  Cliffto})  11,”  “to  Burdott’s 
Mills  2y2,”  marked  “2723”  on  sign  board 2723.19 

Riverside,  Road  near  Burdett’s  Schoolhonse,  via  Bear  Garden  Ridge, 
on  Trail  and  Old  Road  to  Snowhill. 

Feet. 

Riverside,  3.8  miles  east  of;  Burdett’s  sclioolhouse,  1.4  miles 
east  of;  gap  in  ridge  east  of  Bear  Garden  Knob;  nail  in 

chestnut  marked  “3046” 3045.59 

Riverside,  5.3  miles  east  of;  Burdett’s  sclioolhouse,  2.9  miles 
northeast  of,  on  Collison  Ridge,  1.2  miles  east  of  Pittsen- 
berger’s  house,  white  linden  tree,  marked  “3154”....  3153.87 
Nicholas  road,  1.4  miles  southwest  of;  at  southwest  corner  old 
road  and  trail  on  Collison  Ridge;  large  red  oak  tree 

marked  “3318” 3318.35 

Nicholas  road,  0.6  mile  southwest  of;  on  south  side  old 
road  on  top  of  small  knob;  maple  tree,  marked  “3405”. . 3405.54 
Snow  Hill,  8.8  miles  southeast  of;  at  northwest  intersection 
Nicholas  road  and  road  to  Nuttersville ; 500  feet  north  of 
Grig  M.  Clung ’s  house;  copper  plate  in  large  sandstone 

rock,  marked  “3392  KNWA” 3391.855 

Snow  Hill,  6.9  miles  southeast  of;  on  west  side  of  road;  1.1 
miles  north  of  trail  running  east  to  Beech  Knob;  maple 

tree,  marked  “3243” 3243.58 

Snow  Hill,  6.5  miles  southeast  of;  Gi-eenbrier  and  Nicholas 
county  line;  corner  stone  top  of;  marked  in  red  chalk 

“3129”  3129.00 

Snow  Hill,  5.5  miles  southeast  of;  Homing  Falls  road,  0.9 
mile  southeast  of;  on  west  side  of  road;  chestnut  tree, 

marked  “3023”  3023.43 

Snow  Hill,  4.4  miles  southeast  of;  road  running  east  to  Hom- 
ing Falls,  at  southeast  angle  of;  white  oak  tree,  marked 

“2806”  2805.93 

Snow  Hill,  3.4  miles  southeast  of;  road  to  Homing  Falls  1 
mile  northwest;  700  feet  northwest  of  house  on  east  side  of 

road;  chestnut  tree  marked  “2899” 2899.04 

Snow  Hill,  2.6  miles  southeast  of;  oi)i)osite  road  running 

east;  small  chestnut  tree,  marked  “2854” 2853.78 

Snow  Hill,  2 miles  southeast  of,  at  forks  of  road  running 
west;  chestnut  tree  bearing  sign  “to  Russellville,  12 
miles,”  “to  Ruperts,  16  miles;”  mai-ked  “2940” 2940.44 

Snow  Hill  on  Nicholas  Road  to  Fork  of  Road  1 Mile  Southeast  of 

Fowlers  Knob.  Feet. 

Snow  Hill  post-office,  200  feet  southwest  of;  535  feet  north  of 


594 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


road  running  west  on  Avest  side  of  Nicholas  road;  aluminum 
bolt  in  rock,  marked  ‘^‘2943  KNWA”  and  U.  S, 


G.  S.  ” painted  on  ^ek 2943.583 

Snow  Hill,  0.7  mile  noiLh  of;  at  scr.llieast  angle  road  running 
east;  chestnut  bearing  sign  Homing  Falls  2 miles,  to 
Rupert’s,  18  miles;”  marked  ’ i sign  b- .vid  ^^2850”....  2850.25 
Snow  Hill,  1.6  miles  northwest  ; nortl.  v.  est  angle  of  road 
running  north,  150  feet  AA^est  of  new  schoolhouse  and  near 
sign  ^Go  SummersAnlle,  15  miles;”  chestnut  tree,  marked 

''2838”  2838.13 

SnoAV  Hill,  2.6  miles  nortlnA^est  of;  850  feet  AA'est  of  Jones’s 
house  on  north  side  of  road;  nail  in  root  of  stump, 

marked  "2606”  2605.76 

SnoAv  Hill,  3.3  miles  nortliAvest  of;  southeast  angle  of  road 
running  soutliAvest;  small  black  oak  tree  bearing  sign  "to 

SunimersAdlle,  13  miles,”  "to  Eyes  Mill,  2 miles” 2492.67 

SnoAv  Hill,  5.2  miles  nortliAAmst  of;  at  southeast  angle  of 
road  running  east;  at  deserted  store;  chestnut  marked 
"2434” 2434.28 

Snow  Hill  1.6  Miles  Norlliwest  of;  toward  Ophelia. 

Feet. 

SnoAV  Hill,  1.7  miles  nortliAvest  of;  top  of  hill  north  of  new 

schoolhouse  2838.13 

SnoAV  Hill,  2.6  miles  northwest  of;  1 mile  north  of  new 
schoolhouse;  Odd’s  store,  southeast  corner  foundation  stone 

of,  marked  "2711” 2711.47 

Road  running  north,  at  southeast  corner  at  sign,  'Go  Sum- 
mersville,  13  miles,  to  trondorfs  Mills,  iy2  miles;”  stone, 

marked  on  sign  "2536” 2536.37 

Homing  Creek,  bridge  QAmr;  Avest  end  of  Avest  retaining  Avail 

on  north  side  of  road;  stone,  marked  "1840” 1840.15 

Homing  Creek,  1.9  miles  east  of;  500  feet  east  of  trail  to 
Homing  Falls,  north  side  of  road ; chestnut  tree,  marked 

"2657”  2656.93 

Ophelia,  % mile  south  of;  at  crossroads  to  Leivasy  and  Sum- 

mersville,  near  clnirch;  stone 2623.84 

Ophelia,  % mile  south  of;  1,500  feet  west  of  crossroads  and 
cliurch,  at  west  side  of  farm  road,  50  feet  north  of  Sum- 
mersville  road;  bolt  in  rock,  marked  "KNWA  2587”....  2587.132 


Crossroads  % Mile  South  of  Ophelia  to  Leivasy. 

Feet. 

Ophelia,  1.7  miles  southeast  of;  at  southeast  angle  of  road 

running  northeast;  large  poplar  tree,  marked  "2721”....  2721.378 
Oplielia,  2.4  miles  southeast  of;  100  feet  southwest  of  road 

on  east;  on  north  side  of  road;  maple  tree,  marked  "2694”  2694.49 
0])helia,  3.08  miles  southeast  of;  road  running  north;  chest- 
nut tree,  maiked  "2747”  on  stump 


2746.83 


WEST  VIKGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUKVEY 


595 


Opholia,  0.4  mile  south  of;  300  feet  north  of  road  to  Cherry 
river  and  church;  east  side  road,  mai’ked  ‘Mh  M. ” on 

rock  2379.04 

Tjeivasy;  store  o})po«ite  to  stone  at  j’ate,  marked  ^^2338’C.  2357.60 
Leivasy  post  ollice,  mile  south  of;  at  foik  of  road  to  Hom- 
iny Falls  and  Lile ; at  southeast  angle,  marked  M.  ” 

on  rock 2368.86 

Leivasy  post  office,  IV2  miles  soutlieast  of;  at  log  schoolhouse 
at  north  side  of  road;  stone  marked  ‘^2406”  on  schoolhouse  2405.81 
Leivasy  post  office,  21/2  miles  southeast  of ; trail  0.1  mile 
southeast  of  white  oak  tree,  marked  ^‘2605”  on  south  sid(^ 

of  road  2605.39 

Leivasy,  4 miles  southeast  of;  chestnut  tree  bearing  sign  ‘Ho 
Leivasy  4 miles ; to  Rupert ’s  20  miles ; ’ ’ point  on  rear  of 
tree,  marked  “3004”  on  sign  board 3004.53 

Leivasy,  via  Lile,  to  Beech  Knob. 

Feet. 

Lile,  0.8  mile  west  of;  and  Greenbrier  and  Nicholas  county 
line,  stone,  0.15  mile  east  of;  about  600  feet  west  of  store 

on  southwest  side  road;  chestnut  marked  “3342” 3342.29 

Lile,  0.6  mile  west  of ; 130  feet  west  of  trail  running  south  on 

south  side  of  road;  chestnut  ti'ee  marked  “3319” 3319.34 

Lile,  0.95  mile  east  of;  oposite  road  running  east  and  on 
west  side  of  road  to  Beech  Knob;  beech  tree,  marked 

“3500”  3499.78 

Lile,  1.6  miles  east  of;  at  road  running  west  and  60  feet  east 

of  branch;  dead  maple  tree,  marked  “3848” 3848.19 

Beech  Knob,  at  Road  Running  West,  to  Duo. 

Feet. 

Beech  Knob,  1.1  miles  south  of;  near  small  branch,  on  west 

side  of  road;  maple  tree  marked  “3394” 3393.97 

Beech  Knob,  2 miles  south  of;  40  feet  south  of  Long  Branch 

crossing  on  east  side  of  road;  beech  tree,  marked  “3219”  3219.20 
Duo,  1/2  mile  northwest  of;  fork  of  road  to  Rupert,  200  feet 
north  of;  100  feet  north  of  branch  and  50  feet  east  of 
road,  near  small  house,  bolt  in  bowlder,  marked  “3206 
KNWA”  3206.454 

Beech  Knob  at  Road  Running  West  on  Big  Mountain  Ridge  South- 
west to  McClung  and  Snow  Hill  Road. 

Feet. 

Beech  Knob,  1.3  miles  southwest  of;  and  20  feet  west  of  faint 

trail  on  south  side  of  road;  beech  tree,  marked  “3783”.  . . 3783. 

Summersville,  Up  Muddlety  Creek,  to  Hookersville. 

E'eet. 

Summersville,  brickyard  and  house  between  at  road  east ; 

west  side  of  small  bridge,  nail  in,  marked  “1888” 1887.578 


696 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


Siimmersville,  road  east;  nail  in  fork  of  oak,  marked  ^^1938”  1938.14 
Snrnmersville,  farm  road  oast  of,  at  northeast  angle;  black 

oak,  marked  ^‘1984^’ 1984.06 

Phillips  Run,  fork  of  I'oavl  at  and  bridge  over  Mnddlety; 

large  pin-oak  tree,  marked  ‘^1833’’ 1835.66 

Mnddlety  post  office,  ^2  ^lile  north'  'f;  school  50  feet  north 
of,  west  side  of  road,  at  sma!.  stream,  beech,  marked 

‘M861”  1860.80 

Mnddlety  post  office,  road  west  to  Clay  Conit  House,  oppo- 
site to  small  crabap}'>le  tree,  on  east  side  of  road,  marked 

‘‘1854;’’  also  ^ mile  north  old  Valley  Honse 1854.51 

Ilookersville,  at  road  running  east  up  Mnddlety,  at  southeast 

angle;  white  oak  tree,  marked  “1856” 1855.83 

Hookersyille,  200  feet  west  of  road  to  Powell  Mountain,  at 
intersection  road  up  ^Inddlety ; aluminum  tablet  in  roek  in 
field,  marked  “1859  KNWA’’  1859.496 


Point  6 Miles  North  of  Smiimersville  to  Buffalo,  at  Mouth  of  Dog  Run. 


Feet. 

Mnddlety  road,  1 mile  west  of;  first  house  on  Clay  Court 
House  road,  150  feet  north  of;  at  cut-off  trail,  chestnut 

tret,  marked  “1925” 1925.13 

Pearson  Branch,  near  top  of  mountain,  at  head  of  hollow,  200 
feet  souix  of  trail  to ; on  west  side  of  road,  stone  marked 

“2360”  2359.81 

Birch  Run,  30  feet  north  of,  on  east  side  of  road;  trail  west 
at  top  of  ridge,  at  top  of  last  ascent  before  reaching  Birch 

Run;  chestnut  tree,  marked  “2025” 2025.35 

Beech  Run,  at  crossing  north  side  of  run  and  west  side  of 

road  at  end  of  foot  log;  small  beech,  marked  “1636”. .. . 1636.16 
Beech  Run,  crossing  about  2,000  feet  north  of;  on  south  side 
of  road  opposite  Liberty  Bowl  schoolhouse ; aluminum 

tablet  in  large  rock  maiLed  “1747  KNWA” 1746.593 

Liberty  Bowl  schoolhouse,  0.7  mile  north  of;  stream  600  feet 
north  of,  on  east  side  of  road  at  old  road;  gum  tree, 

marked  “1795”  1795.50 

Clay-Nicholas  county  line,  on  north  side  road;  large  oak 

tree,  marked  “1727” ‘ 1726.95 

Dog  Run,  or  Clay;  deserted  store  and  road  running  northeast; 

large  chestnut  tree,  marked  “1710” 1710.47 

Enoch  post  otfice,  road  to;  25  feet  north  of,  on  north  side 

of  road;  large  white  oak  ti’ee,  marked  “1483” 1482.69. 

Dog  Run,  between  second  and  third  crossing,  descending  on 
east  side  of  road,  about  1 mile  northwest  of  Enoch  church; 

beech  tree,  marked  “1117” 1117.46 

Buffalo,  northwest  side  of,  and  o])posite  point  60  feet  noifh 
mouth  of  Dog  Hun;  in  Rock  Cliff,  aluminum  tablet,  marked 
“826  KNWA”  826.124 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  5‘)7 

Summersville,  Over  Fowell  Mountain,  to  Birch  River  and  Wdch  Glade" 

Feet. 

Ilookersvillc,  nboui  2'/2  miles  north  of;  top  of  Powell  Moun- 
tain, oil  south  side  of  road;  small  iron-wood  tree,  marked 

“2484^;  2484.25 

Ilookersville,  cleaiini;'  about  ^/'2  niile  north  of,  on  east  side 

of  road;  roek  marked  ''2316'' 2316.15 

Powell  Mountain;  road  opposite  to  Strange  creek,  on  west 
side  road  to  Sutton;  aluminum  bolt  in  small  ledge  of  roek, 

marked  "2249  KNWA" ! 2249.18 

Strange  Creek,  road  % mile  north  of;  first  crossing  of  branch 
about  loo  feet  south  of,  on  west  side  of  road;  small  beech 

tree,  marked  "1951"  1950.89 

Powell  Mountain,  foot  of;  V2  mile  above;  opposite  house  in 

bottom  on  west  side  road,  small  oak  tree,  marked  "1363".  1363.01 
Powell  Mountain,  foot  of;  near  schoolliouse  on  east  side  of 

road;  small  oak  tj-ee,  marked  "1224" 1224.05 

Birch  Run  post  office,  about  300  feet  north  of;  on  east  side 
of  Powell  Creek,  about  mile  north  of  mouth,  and  oppo- 
Ivan  Bros,  and  Brown’s  store,  aluminum  tablet  in  out- 
crop of  rock,  marked  "1108  KNWA" 1108.365 

Birch  River  post  office,  1%  miles  east  of;  Yi  mile -east  of  An- 
thony, opposite  to  church  on  south  side  of  road;  double 

syeamoi’e  tree,  marked  "1134" 1134.15 

Birch  River,  about  3 miles  east  of;  at  mouth  of  Rose  Run,  on 
north  bank  of  the  river;  sycamore  tree  at  foot  log,  marked 

"1196"  ! 1195.76 

Skiles  Branch,  250  feet  east  of  mouth;  poplar  tree,  marked 

"1253"  1253.47 

Birch  River,  about  6 miles  cast  of;  about  1-3  mile  above 
Rich  Fork,  on  sonthv’est  side  road ; beech  tree  near  house, 

marked  "1332"  1331.75 

Boggs  post  office,  I'Yi  miles  west  of;  at  Roughs  of  Birch 
River,  150  feet  east  of  falls  and  sawmill  on  south  side  of 

road;  beech  tree,  marked  "1495" 1495.23 

Boggs  post  office,  near;  about  250  feet  east  of  school,  20  feet 
north  of  road  in  outcrop  of  rock;  bronze  tablet,  marked 

"1555  KNWA"  1555.35 

Boggs,  1 mile  east  of;  near  branch  and  opposite  house  on 

north  side  of  road  ; stone  in  fence,  marked  "1589".  ......  1589.15 

Boggs,  about  3i4  miles  east  of  ; 500  feet  above  fourth  house 
below  foot  of  mountain  on  west  side  of  road;  birch  tree, 

marked  "1750"  1750.37 

Boggs,  foot  of  mountain;  about  1 mile  beloAV  and  at  third 

CT-ossing  below  same  on  east  side  of  road;  marked  "1889"  1888.53 
Welch  Glade,  about  1 mile  northwest  of;  725  feet  southeast 
of  road  from  to])  of  mountain  to  Cowen  and  Glade  Run; 

^bpiif  5.00  feet  southeast  of  house  and  mile  northwest  of 


598 


PEECISE  LEVELS 


clinrch  on  east  side  of  road ; bronze  tablet  in  rock,  marked 

‘^2253  KNWA’’  2253.310 

Welch  (jlade  post  office,  about  800  feet  northwest  of;  nail 

in  floor  of  bridge,  marked  ^^2223” 2222.72 

Welch  Glade  post  office,  about  100  feet  north  of;  railroad 
crossinpr  between  road  to  Camden  and  railroad;  oak  tree, 
marked  ‘^2222’’  2222.32 


Welch  Gla^,  via  Camden,  to  Craigsville. 

Feet. 

Welch  Glade,  about  miles  south  of,  on  road  to  Camden; 
small  beech  tree  250  feet  south  of,  and  50  feet  north  of 
road  to  sawmill  site  and  on  north  side  of  road ; small  white-  ' 

oak  tree,  marked  ‘^2275’’ 2274.G4 

Camden  on  Gauley;  at  ^^The  Camden,”  west  side  in  pier  to 

porch;  bronze  tablet,  marked  ‘‘2062  KNWA”.*. 2062.025 

#nmden  on  Gauley,  1 mile  west  of;  roads  to  Craigsville  and 
up  Strouds  Creek  at  southwest  angle;  oak  tree,  marked 

“2099”  2098.81 

Camden  on  Gauley,  about  2 miles  west  of;  foot  log  over  Rock 

Camp  Run;  nail  in  east  end  of;  marked  “2170” 2169.57 

Craigsville,  about  1^/4  miles  east  of;  bridge  over  Rock  Camp 

Run;  nail  in  west  end  of;  marked  “2203” 2203.57 

Craigsville,  east  end  of  point  on' tramway;  nail  in  cross  tie.  . 2282.52 
Craigsville ; at  road  to  Cranberry  at  Hickman ’s  store ; small 

oak  ti’ee  southwest  angle  of,  marked  “2293” 2293.36 

Craigsville,  near  east  end  of;  670  feet  east  of  Cranberry  road 
and  betel;  on  north  side  of  road  in  front  of  Macon  Bose’s 
house;  bronze  tablet  in  rock,  marked  “2288  KNWA”. . . . 2288.157 


Craigsville,  up  Beaver  Creek  near  Delphi,  and  Down  Muddlety  Creek 
to  Hookersville. 


Feet. 


Craigsville,  west  end  of;  west  of  tramroad  and  church;  nail 

in  stump  of  telegrayh  pole  on  north  side  of  road 2311.75 

Craigsville,  about  ''/2  mile  northwest  of;  at  fork  of  road  south 
to  Beaver  Mills  on  road  southeast  to  Craigsville;  near 
crossing  of  tramroad  at  southwest  angle  of  roads;  white- 

oak  tree,  marked  “2337” 2336.13 

Craigsville,  about  IV2  niiles  northwest  of;  at  top  of  mountain 

on  w^est  side  of  road;  gum  tree,  marked  “2435” 2435.12 

Craigsville,  about  2%  miles  northwest  of;  at  northeast  angle 
of  road  east  and  west;  small  white-oak  tree,  marked 

“2196”  2195.73 

Del]dii,  about  1 mile  south  of;  in  Beaver  bottom,  near  cross 

fence;  wood  plug 2199.79 

Delphi,  D/2  ntiles  west  of;  on  north  side  of  road  opposite 
house:  at  foot  of  street;  nail  in  root  of  stump,  marked 
“2251”  2250.62 


WEST  VTK,GTNT.\  GEOLOGK^AL  SGltVEY 


509 


Delplii,  about  2Yi  luilc's  west  of;  on  lo]>  of  iiiounlain,  bOO  f(‘(3t 
west  of  house  < ;;  south  side  of  road;  (diestuut  ire(3,  marked 

‘‘2004’’  2503.45 

Ilookersville,  about  5 miles  east  of;  225  feet  east  of  fork  of 
Muddlety,  at  crossing'  of  right  fork,  on  nortli  side  of  road 
west  of  ci'ossin'v;  aluminum  taldet  in  large  overhanging 

rock,  marked  “2005  KNWA” . 2004.S42 

Ilookersville,  about  4 miles  east  of;  about  80  feet  east  of 
crossing  of  IMuddletj",  opposite  cliffs  on  south  side  of  road ; 

water  birch  tree,  marked  “1939” 1938.61 

Ilookersville,  21/4  miles  east  of;  200  feet  east  of  schoolhouse 
at  northeast  angle  of  road  to  mill;  oak  tree,  marked 

“1880” ' 1880.41 

Hookersville,  II/2  miles  east  of ; south  of  road  between  large 

house  and  cabin;  large  leaning  maple  tree,  marked  “1863”  1863.15 

Crai^sville,  via  Y^ToodMliie  to  Richwocd. 

Feet. 

Craigsville,  point  on  tramv/ay,  east  end  of 2282.52 

Craigsville,  40  feet  east  of  trail  on  south  side  of  road;  near 

broken  down  house;  white  oak  tree,  marked  “2426” 2426.06 

Craigsville,  sawmill  site,  trail  to;  on  north  side  of  road;  rock, 

marked  “2239”  2238.87 

Woodbine  post  office,  rear  of;  on  west  side  of  road;  rock 
marked  “B.  M.,”  with  “1938”  marked  on  blacksmith  shop  1937.65 
Woodbine,  1 mile  southeast  of;  opposite  to  Iron  and  Sulphur 
Springs  and  on  east  side  of  road;  manle  tree,  marked 

“2522” ! 2521.61 

Woodbine,  2^  miles  southeast  of;  at  northwest  angle  of  trail 

west  of  Cherry  River  and  near  house;  rock  marked  “2849”  2848.49 
Woodbine,  about  3 miles  southeast  of  ; 100  feet  south  of  trail 
running  east  on  southwest  side  of  road;  chestnut  tree, 

marked  “2914”  2914.34 

Woodbine,  41/9  miles  southeast  of;  at  trail  west;  maple  tree, 

marked  “2969”  2967.19 

Woodbine,  4V2  miles  southeast  of;  on  Greenbrier  road  at 
west  side  of,  and  on  south  side  of  trail  running  west,  in 
hollow  near  maple  ti'ee,  marked  “2969;”  bronze  tablet  in 

rock,  marked  “2969  KNWA” 2969.33 

Richwood,  about  2%  niiles  north  of;  300  feet  north  of  Poca- 
hontas road  oTi  nort beast  side  Greenbrier  remd  near  house; 

stump  marked  “2972” 2971.82 

Richwood,  about  2 miles  north  of;  90  feet  south  of  church  on 

west  side  of  road;  oak  ti-ee,  marked  “2976” 2975.74 

Richwood,  about  1%  miles  noith  of;  beginning  of  descent 
at  trail  southwest  and  south  of  house  on  west  side  of  road, 

chestnut  tree,  marked  “2937” 2936.88 

Richwood^  about  44  inile  northeast  of;  100  feet  southwest  of 


GOO 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


trail  south,  south  side  of  road;  rock,  marked  ‘‘2400’’.. 
Kichwood,  Cherry  River  north  side  of;  on  east  side  of 
road;  walnut  tree,  marked  “2189” 

Richwood  via  Cold  Knob  and  Jones  Knob  to  Duo. 

Richwood,  1 mile  south  of,  on  east  side  of  road;  rock 

marked  “2589”  

Ricliwood,  1%  miles  south  of;  top  of  Greenbri-er-Nicholas 

county  line;  stone,  marked  “2874” 

Richwood,  about  214  miles  south  of,  at  Little  Laurel  Creek 
bridii'e  over  M^est  end  and  north  side  of;  nail  in  floor, 

marked  “2746”  

Richwood,  about  3^2  miles  south  of,  and  about  1/2  mile  north 
of  Babies  LLflel  on  east  side,  of  road,  opposite  to  road  run- 

nino;  west;  maple  tree,  marked  “3195” 

Richwood,  about  6 miles  south  of,  on  south  side  of  road  to 

school;  top  of  stump,  marked  “3713” 

Richwood,  about  7^/4  miles  southeast  of,  on  Manning  Knob 

and  east  side  of  road;  maple  tree,  marked  “3912” 

Richwood,  about  7%  miles  southeast  of,  about  2,350  feet 
southeast  of  Manning  Knob  on  northeast  side  of  road; 
aluminum  plug  in  large  rock,  marked  “3709  KNWA  ” 
and  “B.  M. ” painted  on  rock;  this  bench  mark  is  also  240 
feet  from  foot  of  descent  from  Manning  Knob  going 

southeast 

Richwood,  9 miles  southeast  of,  about  1%  miles  southeast 
of  Manning  Knob  and  1/4  mile  northwest  of  trail  south; 
rock  on  east  side  of  road,  marked  “3805”  on  larger  rock.  . 
Richwood,  10  miles  southeast  of;  about  2%  miles  southeast  of 
Manning  Knob  on  a level  stretch  of  road  where  it  runs 
east;  on  nortli  side  small  beech  tree,  marked  “3893”.... 
Richwood,  11^  miles  southeast  of;  about  2 miles  northwest 
of  road  to  Duo  and  1.000  feet  south  of  cleared  field  on 

east  side  of  roarl ; maple  tree,  marked  “3895” 

Richwood,  about  13  miles  southeast  of;  about  % mile  north- 
west of  road  to  Duo  at  foot  of  climb  going  toward  Cold 
Knob  in  clearing  on  east  side  of  road;  locust  tree,  marked 

“3795”  

Riclnvood,  about  13%  miles  southeast  of;  on  southwest  side 
of  Greenbrier  road;  795  feet  northwest  of  road  to  Duo; 

aluminum  tablet  in  rock,  marked  “4116  KNWA” 

Duo,  7%  miles  east  of;  about  300  feet  east  of  Summit  of 
Grassy  Kiiob,  on  south  side  of  road;  chestnut  oak  tree, 

marked  “4347”  

Duo,  about  5%  miles  east  of;  between  Grassy  Knob  and  Jobs 
Knob;  about  200  feet  west  of  liouse  and  50  feet  north  of 
road;  maple  tree,  marked  “4015” 


2400.05 
2188.85 

Feet. 

2588.49 

2874.02 

2745.97 

3194.94 

3712.72 

3912.05 

3709.043 

3804.71 

3893.32 

3895.29 

3795.36 

4116.433 

4346.68 


4014.84 


WEST  VIliaiNIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


001 


Duo,  about  4Vi>  milos  oast  of;  near  loi>  of  Jol)s  Knob,  on 

south  side  of  road;  large  rook,  marked  “42F>2” 4*252.06 

Duo,  about  lU/o  miles  east  of;  in  gay)  between  Jobs  Knob 
and  Shell  Camp  Ridge  on  south  side  of  road;  gum  tree. 


marked  ‘^S955” 3955.22 

Duo,  11/2  miles  east  of;  on  Shell  Camy)  Ridge  near  spring  and 

on  south  side  of  road;  may)le  tree,  marked  ‘‘4014” 4013.93 

Duo;  on  renter  of  bottom  stey)  on  front  yioreli  of  house, 

marked  “3428”  3427.55 

Duo:  ebeek  on  bench  mark  y)liig  in  rock  mile  northwest 

of  Duo  3206.454 


Lsivasy  Northeast  tip  Road  Crossing  Grassy  Creek. 

Feet. 

Leivasy;  church  at  fork  of  road  about  1^4  roile  north  of;  at 

toi3  of  hill;  y)oor  road;  chestnut  tree,  marked  “2494”...  2494.00 
Grassy  Creek  crossing,  about  900  feet  east  of;  on  north  side 
of  road  uy)  Grassy  Creek ; aluminum  tablet  in  rock,  marked 
“2426  KNVv^xV”;  bench  mark  yiainted  on  the  rock 2425.873 

KANAWHA,  PUTNAM,  LINCOLN,  BOONE,  LOGAN,  MINGO, 
WYOMING,  McDOVvELL  AND  MASON  COUNTIES. 

Charleston  and  Oceana  Quadrangles. 

The  elevations  in  the  following  list  were  published  in  part 
in  the  Appendix  to  the  Eighteenth  Annual  Report  of  the  Survey, 
being  based  on  a bench  mark  determined  by  trigonometrical  lev- 
eling by  the  United  States  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  at  St. 
Albans  west  base  monument.  The  leveling  in  connection  with 
this  work  was  done  chiefly  by  hTr.  TTargraves  Wood,  levelman, 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  TTersey  Munroe,  toyyographer,  during 
the  seasons  of  1896  and  1897. 

In  the  spring  of  1898  Mr.  E.  E.  McNair,  levelman,  connected 
levels  brought  from  Hamden  Junction  bench  mark  of  the  trans- 
continental line  of  precise  levels  of  the  ITnited  States  Coast  and 
Geodetic  Survey,  via  dTiurman  and  Gallipolis,  Ohio,  to  Point 
Pleasant,  West  Virginia.  At  this  y)lace  connection  was  made 
with  bench  mark  of  the  United  States  engineers  on  coping  of 
Lock  No.  n,  on  Great  Kanawha  River.  The  result  was  a differ- 
ence of  4.780  feet,  which  is  added  to  the  elevations  determined 
by  the  United  States  engineers  on  Gi'eat  Kanawha  River,  and  a 
permanent  bench  mark  was  left  in  Point  Pleasant  bearing  the 
accepted  elevation  as  brought  from  the  Coast  Survey.  The  ele- 


002 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


vations  listed  in  the  appendix  of  1897  above  referred  to,  as  based 
on  tlie  Coast  Survey  monument  at  St.  Albans,  showed  a differ- 
ence of  elevation  between  it  and  the  United  States  engineer  lock 
bench  marks  of  8.544  feet,  Avhereas  the  difference  now  accepted 
is  4.780  feet.  As  a consequence,  the  levels  hereafter  listed  differ 
from  those  published  in  the  appendix  referred  to  by  the  amount 
0.836  foot,  which  is  added  to  those  elevations,  and  they  are  ac- 
cordingly about  1 foot  higher  than  the  elevations  as  stamped  on 
the  bench  marks  established  in  1896  and  1897.  Based  on  these 
connections,  the  elevation  of  the  datum  tablet  placed  in  the  State 
capitol  building  in  Charleston  in  1897,  and  marked  ‘^C.  602,'" 
is  now  accepted  as  being  601.597  feet  above  mean  sea  level.  The 
bench  marks  dependent  upon  this  datum  have  been  marked  with 
the  letter  ‘‘C”  in  addition  to  the  figures  of  elevation. 


Lock  Ko.  6 to  Charleston. 

Lock  No.  G,  Great  Kanawha  River;  toj)  of '-coping  stone.  A 
correction  of  4.780  feet  as  determined  at  Lock  No.  11  on 
the  Great  Kanawha  River  was  added  to  the  elevation  of 
the  coping  of  Lock  No.  6 near  Cliarleston.  The  elevation 
of  coping  of  Lock  No.  6 by  the  Engineer  Corps  is  565.5. 

The  correcied  elevation  is 

Lock  No.  6,  0.9  mile  east  of;  chisel  mark  on  rock  ledge  15 

feet  nortli  of  r(md  and  700  feet  west  of  tannery 

Charleston,  2%.  miles  nortlnvest  of;  chisel  mark  on  sandstone 
from  north  wall  of  stone  arch  bridge  over  Two  Mile  Creek. 

Bridge  is  known  as  Two  Mile  Bridge 

Charleston,  2.4  miles  northwest  of;  nail  in  top  of  oak  post  2 
feet  high,  beside  sidewalk  on  south  side  of  road  IS  feet 

west  of  corner  (f  Tinsley’s  grocery 

Charleston;  U/^  miles  nortlnvest  of  State  Capitol;  chisel 
mark  on  sandstone  wall  at  southeast  corner  of  stone  arch 
bridge.  Aljcut  Yz  northwest  of  suspension  bridge 

across  Elk  River  


Feet. 


569.355 

621.925 

596.105 

618.815 

593.695 


Charlestcn  uu  Tvoomrle  Crerk  .Ueng  Charleston  and  Sissonville 
Pocad  to  Wallace’s  Store  on  Tupper  Creek. 

Feet. 


Charleston,  State  Capitol,  in  southwest  corner  of;  bronze 

tablet  marked  ^G)02  C” 600.672 

Twomile  Bridge,  1 mile  north  of;  cliisel  mark  on  sandstone 
abutment  at  northwest  (‘orner  of  wooden  bridge,  opposite 
road  going  east  up  branch 586.615 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


()0,i 


Twumile  Jiridgc,  2 miles  uortii  of;  chisel  mark  on  satidsione 
bowlder  at  soiiiiiwest  corner  of  small  wooden  bridge  near 


wood-colored  house  on  west  of  road (303.845 

Twomile  Bridge,  2'^4  miles  north  of;  about  200  feet  south- 
west of  Methodist  ehui’ch  known  as  Wesley  Chapel;  cop- 

jier  bolt  in  bowlder  marked  ‘GJ04  C” (303.826 

AVesley  Chapel,  1-3  mile  north  of;  chisel  mark  on  bowlder 
near  middle  of  road  and  10  feet  north  of  elm  tree;  400  feet 

northwest  of  store 606.425 

AVesley  Chapel,  11/2  miles  north  of;  chisel  mark  on  sandstone 
bowlder  2^/2  feet  from  ’walnut  tree  (near  bridge)  on  east 

side  of  road  opposite  house  of  G.  W.  Jenkins 677.975 

AA^esley  Chapel,  21,2  miles  north  of;  chisel  mark  on  large  sand- 
stone ledge  20  feet  east  of  road  and  about  ^4  mile  south- 
east of  divide  between  waters  of  Two  Mile  Creek  and 

Tapper  Creek 806.255 

AA^allace’s  store,  0.9  mile  south  of;  chisel  mark  on  large  flat 
bovdder  8 feet  unrt^eest  of  road  near  small  tvooden  bridge; 

a log  house  275  feet  south 744.945 

Wallace’s  store.  75  feet  east  of;  chisel  mark  on  sandstone 

bowlder  on  cd'm  of  creek  10  fe^t  east  of  road 677.305 

Wallace’s  store  Yi  mde  east  of:  corner  bolt  in  bowlder  on 
south  edce  of  road  and  a^^ont  600  feet  east  of  James  Wal- 
lace’s house,  m.arked  ^W)68  C” 666.752 


Wallace’s  Store  on  Tupper  Creek,  via  Martins  Branch  and  Pocatalico 

River  to  Poca. 


Feet. 

Martins  Bi-anch  road,  south  side  of  and  14  mile  above  mouth  ; 

175  feet  we^t  first  crossing  near  schoolbouse:  copper  bolt 

in  rock  ledge  1 foot  above  grade,  marked  592” 591.017 

Rockv  Fork.  .300  fecf  from  mouth  of;  railing  post  west  side 

bridge  (nortli  end)  over 593.475 

Pocatalico  Piver  and  T/ick  P)ranch,  summit  between;  nail  in 

root  walnut  tree  831.865 

Poca.  about  3^4  miles  southeast  of:  stone  on  bridge  over 

small  stream  566.705 


Poca,  IV.!  miles  seutlicacit  of:  nail  in  root  of  large  elm 

north  side  of  road,  south  bank  Pocatalico  Piver 570.025 


Poca,  .Along  F.anav/ha  and  Michigan  Railway  to  St.  Albans, 

Feet. 

Poca  station.  foot  contli  of:  conuor  bolt  on  west  side 
smph  abutru'^rJ  h.ighway  bridge  over  Correly  Praucb : 

( c fi  r,7o  M ‘ ^ 572.341 

'uost  167.  ]\fi>bionn  Pailway.  nail  in  top  of  588.845 

Milepost  108,  Kanawha  and  Michigan  Pailway,  nail  in  top  of  591.635 


G04 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


590.875 

591.845 


Milejxjst  109,  Kanawha  and  Michigan  Railway,  nail  in  top  of 
Milepost  110,  Kanawha  and  Michigan  Railway,  nail  in  top  of 
Lock  7,  top  coping;  etpials  555.50  United  States  Engineer 

elevation  559.355 

Lewis  railroad  station,  east  of;  nail  in  root  of  large 

Avalnu.t  t]-ee  at  bend  in  lane,  GOO  feet  north  of  Chesapeake 

and  Ohio  Raihvay  5G9.905 

Scott  railroad  station,  75  feet  sonth  of;  iron  post  in  Pine’s 
orchard,  50  feet  sonth  of  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railway 

tracks,  marked  ‘^69,3  C” G92.85G 

St.  Albans,  Avest  base  monument,  located  in  fence  line  on 


Avest  side  of  First  street.  60  feet  north  of  the  porth  rail  of 
the  Chcsai'ieake  and  Ohio  Raihvay  track;  center  of  monn- 
ment  is  marked  by  limestone  post  projecting  1 foot 
above  gronnd.  in  top  of  AAdiich  is  a copper  ])olt,  the  eleAm- 
tion  of  Avhich  is 594.G91 

Lock  6 to  Tyler  Creek  Schoolhouse. 

Feet. 

Lock  6,  c(*ping;  equals’ 565.50  United  States  Engineer  eleva- 
tion   , 569.355 

Lock  6,  U2  nortliAvest  of;  bildge  over  small  branch  of 

Tyler  Creek  588.415 

Tyler  Creek  road,  Ui  mile  southeast  forks  of  road  near  Tyler 
schoolhonse ; conper  bolt  in  rock  20  feet  Avest  of  drain 
across,  marked  ‘^C  623” 623.371 

Lock  6,  up  Middle  Fork  Davis  Creek  to  Mouth  of  Long  Branch, 
f [ f|  Feet. 

Davis  Creek,  southeast  abutment  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Rail- 
way bridge  oAmr  (top  ballast  Avail) 603.625 

Trace  Foik  DaA'is  Creek;  KanaAvlia  and  Coal  River  Raihvay 

trestle  over;  top  of  rail 601.135 

Milenost  2,  t('p  of;  KanaAvha  and  Coal  River  Raihvay.  . . 596.665 

Dry  P)ran2h  1^4  mile  sonth  of;  nail  in  root  of  beech  tree  east 

side  of  road  596.155 

Long  Branch,  900  feet  noidh  of;  belAveen  second  and  third 
crossings  north  of  ‘^cboolhonse : cooper  bolt  in  large  1)oav1- 
dei‘  west  side  middle  fork  Davis  Creek,  marked  ^‘C  659”.  659. 2G2 


Lock  5,  up  Lers  Creek  to  Racine  a""d  Down  Coal  River  to  Mouth  of 

Lick  Creek. 


Feet. 


Lock  5,  C()T)ino;;  eenals  572.50  TTnitod  Stales  Engineer  eleAua- 

tion  57G.355 

Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Raihvay  cnlveid  oAmr  Rush  Creek;  ■'’*4 
mile  nortliAvest  (>f ; copr)er  bolt  in  middle  one  of  three 
ledges  of  rock  west  side  Right  Fork  Rush  Creek,  marked 


WEST  ViKGlNlA  GEOLOGIUAL  SUltVEY 


005 


‘‘C  039’’ 038.943 

Tresiie  on  West  Vii'giniii  Soiitlieiii  Knilroad,  900  feet  south- 
west Cliesapeake  and  Ohio  iiaiiway;  top  of  rail 591.925 

Ilernshaw,  % mile  south  of;  nail  in  root  sycamore  east  side 

of  road  at  schoolhouse 703.075 

llernshaw,  about  1 mile  south  of;  coi)per  bolt  in  3 by  5 foot 
ledge  roc'k  south  side  road  south  bank  Lens  Creek,  near  A. 

lioffman’s  house,  maiked  ‘‘C  722” 722.135 

Sixmile  Creek,  I/4  mile  south  of;  large  sycamore  tree  west 

side  of  road;  nail  in  root  of 868.305 

Lens  Creek  and  Lhort  Creek,  gap  between;  center  road 

ground  surface  1237.075 

Lens  Creek  and  Short  Creek,  1-10  mile,  south  gap  between ; 

large  flat  rock  east  side  of  road 1169.285 

Racine,  about  1 mile  north  of;  nail  in  root  large  sycamore 

tree  in  road  400  feet  scnith  Widow  Snodgrass’s  house 770.285 

Racine,  50  feet  north  of  north  side  church  at;  on  rock  west 

side  road  200  feet  nortli  Coal  River 664.375 

Peytona,  east  end  of  walnut  tree  south  side  of  road,  nail  in 
root  of;  third  tree  from  east  line  walnuts  nearly  opposite 

old  coal  dump  across  river 669.445 

Peytona.  about  2 miles  northwest;  copper  holt  in  ledge  rock 
south  side  road  down  Coal  River,  100  feet  northwest  of 
Tvaurel  Branch ; 1 mile  below  White  Oak  Branch,  marked 

‘W  665” 665.401 

Lick  Creek.  200  feet  north  of  mouth  of;  copper  holt  in  rock 

west  side  Coal  River  road,  marked  ‘W  648” 648.375 

Racine,  via  Comfort  and  Hopkins,  to  Mouth  Robinson  Creek. 

Peet. 

Toney  Ih’anch  Coal  Rivei',  at  crossing; 'nail  in  root  sycamore 

tree  southeast  side  of  road 671.745 

Comfoi't,  Vs  mile  north  of;  copper  boll  bottom  rock  cliff  I/2 
mile  south  mouth  Joes  (h  eek ; east  side  Coal  River  road, 

4 feet  above  grade,  marked  ^‘C  673” 673.488 

Laurel  Creek  cr'ossing,  600  feet  below  Sand  Pork;  large  lean- 
ing poplar  tiee  east  side  of  road,  nail  in  root  of 704.655 

Hopkins  Pork.  200  feet  southeast  mouth  of;  bi-onze  tablet  in 

face  rock  -cliff,  marked  ‘^C  734” 734..388 

Cristley  Branch;  nail  in  i-oot  of  beech  ti'ee  north  side  Laurel 

Pork  400  feet  soutlnvest  schoolhouse  at 823.255 

Th-airie  Branch,  300  feet  snutbwu^st  of;  nail  in  root  of  syca- 
more tree  southeast  side  of  road 887.015 

Laurel  Pork  and  Robinson  Creek,  gap  between;  nail  in  root 

large  chestnut  tree  1657.325 

Robinson  Creek,  confluence  with  Right  Pork;  nail  in  root  of 

beech  tree  groAving  with  sycamore  tree 875.605 


606 


taiECISE  LEVELS 


Robinson  ('reek  and  Pond  Creek,  500  feet  from  confluence 
of;  copper  bolt  sunk  in  piotruding'  bowlder  in  Ballard 
Brown’s  field  on  east  side  of  and  300  feet  from  road, 
marked  ‘^C  740”  746.847 


St.  Albans,  via  Tackett 


Creek,  Ycmig’s  Store  and  Tornado  to 
Starting  Point. 

Feet. 


St.  Albans,  west  base  monument,  located  in  fence  line  on 


west  side  of  First  street  00  feet  north  of  the  north  rail 
of  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Rail"  y track;  center  of  mon- 
ument is  marked  by  limestone  post  projecting  1 foot  above 
ground,  in  the  top  of  which  is  a copper  bolt,  the  elevation 

of  which  is 594.691 

Lewis  railroad  station,  3/4  mile  east  of;  nail  in  root  of  large 
walnut  tree  at  bend  in  lane  600  feet  north  of  Chesapeake 

and  Ohio  Railway 596.905 

St.  Albans,  IVa  miles  northwest  of ; northeast  corner  of  abut- 
ment of  bridge  at  first  crossing  of  Tackett  Creek 587.985 

Tackett  Creek,  last  crossing  of;  400  feet  w^est  of  frame  house 
with  well  in  front;  bench  mark  cut  in  stone  on  right  side 

of  road 777.985 

Tackett  Creek,  road  i;;';  rock  on  right  side  just  above  small 
spring  on  left  side  of  road  500  feet  east  of  summit; 

M.”  cut  on  rock 903.125 

Tackett  Creek,  summit,  vdiere  road  leaves  and  follows  Hurri- 
cane, 1,000  feet  Avest  of ; nail  in  poplar  stump  at  end  of 

small  bridge  on  left  side  of  road 915.795 

Hurricane  road,  right  side  of ; 75  feet  beyond  new  frame 

house  about  fC  tnile  AA^est  of  summit  on  ledge  rock 842.375 


Young’s  store,  first  house  south  of,  on  south  side  of  road,  be- 
longing to  eTolm  Hodges;  copoer  bolt  set  in  east  chimney  6 


feet  from  ground,  marked  S.  G.  S.  737  Ft.  B.  M.”.  . 737.294 

Young’s  store,  Avest  side  of  road  leaving  Hurricane  road  at; 
nail  in  root  of  gum  tree  6 inel)es  in  diameter  1/2  mile  south 

from  forks  where  clearing  begins  on  right 812.495 

Young’s  store,  road  from,  to  Bridge  Creek;  large  white  oak 
tree  on  east  side  200  feet  Avest  of  head  of  holloAv  on 

south  and  backbone  of  ridge 930.115 

Bridge  Creek,  west  bank  of;  south  of  and  near  house  on 
east  about  3/4  mile  south  of  schoolhouse;  nail  in  small  dog- 
wood stump  748.525 

Flint  Hollow,  14  mile  soutlnvest  of  mouth  of;  large  rock  on 
bank  Avest  side  of  road  and  Bridge  Creek;  cleared  field  on 

east,  Avoods  on  Avest 699.925 

Trace  Foidc  of  Mud  RiA’ei’,  200  feet  beloAv  mouth  of  Twomile 
Branch,  400  feet  nortliwest  of  Anderson  McAllister’s 
house;  coi)per  bolt  in  huge  rock  on  north  side  of  stream. 


WEST  VIllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY  f)07 

marked  ‘Uk  S.  G.  S.  GOO  Kt.  IL  M.’’ GG9..125 

Twi)milc  IL'niieli  (a  1 rihiilai’y  of  Trace  Fork  of  Mud  K’iver)  ; 

larg'c  elm  tree  at  month  of 001.985 

Fall  Creek,  road  f n.mi ; stone  on  nort  h side  100  feet  fi'om  to}) 

of  first  rid4>‘e  near  small  walnut 1033.905 

Twomile  Branch  and  Right  Fork  of  Fall  Creek;  nail  in  root 
of  large  chestnut  tree  on  south  side  of  road  near  tlrst 

break  in  ascent  of  ridge  between  streams 879.505 

Toi-iiado,  2 miles  sordlivvest  of,  on  Fall  Cieek  road;  nail  in 

root  of  beech  tree  on  Lank  near  new  house 620.125 

Tornado,  IVe  miles  souiliwest  of,  on  road  up  Fall  Creek;  iron 
post  on  south  side  of  road  150  feet  above  first  crossing  of 

Fall  Creekj,  marked  ^^614’’ 613.708 

Tornado,  mill  at ; large  stone  in  retaining  wall  of  mill  at 

point  where  wail  meets  fence 607.205 

Garrett’s  Bend  to  Sand  Gap,  Sngar  Camp  ICnob,  down  Laurel  Fork  of 
Horse  Creek  to  Madison. 

. Feet. 

Garrett’s  Bend,  1 mile  soutlieast  of,  up  Trace  Fork;  nail  in 
root  of  sycamore  tree,  east  side  of  road,  near  foot-log  and 

sawmill  670.415 

Garrett’s  Bend,  south  end  of  fii’st  foot  log  at,  going  up  Trace 

Fork;  nail  in  stump 681.305 

Garrett’s  Bend,  2 miles  ab(;ve ; nail  in  root  of  walnut  tree 

at  barn  and  crossing  at  William’s  Branch 703.165 

Sand  Gap;  nail  in  large  stump  under  cliestnut  tree  west  side 

of  road  1088.165 

Sand  Gap,  500  feet  west  of,  fork  of  n-ads  at;  coper  bolt  in 
huge  rock  above  John  A.  Midkiff’s  house,  maiked  S. 

G.  S.  1079  B.  M.” 1078.545 

Brushy  Knob,  east  end  of,  on  road  to  Little  Coal  River;  nail 

in  root  of  white-oak  tree  (m  west  side  of  road 1222.895 

Sugar  (famp  Knob  signal,  ^/4  mile  south  of  cabin  near,  125 
feet  below  fork  of  road;  nail  in  root  of  hickory  tree  on 

west  side  of  road 1197.425 

Sugar  Camp  Knob  signal,  miles  fi'<.m,  on  Laurel  Fork; 
nail  in  lool  of  beech  tree  at  schoolhouse  on  -west  side  of 

T-oad  838.875 

Laurel  ForL,  F/o  miles  above  mouth  of;  nail  in  root  of  beech 

tree  on  east  side  of  road 753.705 

Laui’el  Fork,  mile  above  mouth  of;  nail  in  root  of  beech 

tree  on  west  side  of  road 706.045 

Laurel  Foik,  200  i'eet  above  confluence  with  Hor’se  Creek; 
co])])ei-  bolt  in  rock  ledge  on  east,  bank,  op].)osite  James 
McClure’s  house  near  last  crossing  of  Laiu'ol,  marked 

S.  G.  S.  673  Ft.  B.  M.” ' 672.622 

Hill,  11/2  miles  above;  nail  in  root  of  leaning  beech  tree  on 
north  bank  of  Horse  Creek  about  1,200  feet  below  Price’s 


608 


PRECISE  LEVELS 


liouse,  just  below  small  stream  e(iming-  in  on  right 051.995 

Trace  Branch,  1 mile  a))(,ve  month;  cop]:>er  bolt  in  large 
bowlder  on  left  side  of  right-hand  hollow  on  Trace  Bi-anch 
of  Horse  Creek,  marked‘^‘U.  S.  G.  S.  760  Ft.  B.  M.”.  ..  .705.931 

Hill;  top  of  foundation  wall  north  side  of  store 60(S.585 

Hill,  iy2  miles  south  of;  nail  in  root  of  large  white-oak  tree 

on  west  side  of  road  I/4  mile  south  of  ford 057.615 

Camp  Creek,  ^/4  mile  north  of;  nail  in  root  of  large  sugar 
ma})le  tree  on  west  side  of  road  300  feet  above  Stol ling’s 

house 002.525 

Camp  Ci'eek,  ^4  north  of;  coit})ei  oolt  in  small  ledge  of 
rock  on  east  side  of  road  going  np  Little  Coal  River  300 
feet  above  B.  Stollings,  marked  S.  G.  S.  660  Ft. 

B.  M.”  ^ ; 060.170 

Camp  Creek,  % mile  south  of,  opposite  Dr.  Hill’s  house;  nail 

in  root  of  large  beech  tree  west  side  of  road 009.765 

Camp  Creek,  2 miles  south  of;  nail  in  root  of  ])eech  tree 

west  side  of  road 710.715 

Lick  Creek,  1 mile  north  of,  600  feet  above  house  where 
road  forks  to  left ; nail  in  root  of  hollow  beech  tree  on 

bank  of  river  west  side  of  road 671.025 

Lick  Creek,  opposite  month  of;  nail  in  root  of  one  of  two 

sycamore  trees  overL.,nging  river 007.275 

Lick  Creek,  li/4  miles  south  of  month  of  ; nail  in  root  of 
leaning  beech  tree  on  south  side  of  Lick  Creek,  l)elow  small 

stream  coming  in  on  south 716.875 

Lick  Creek,  500  feet  below  sawmill  on ; nail  in  root  of  lean- 
ing beech  tree  on  north  side  of  road 743.165 

Lick  Creek,  3 miles  above  month,  at  Chamber’s  house;  nail 

in  root  of  walnut  tree- in  field  on  north  side  of  road 707.405 


Lick  Creek,  3y2  miles  aliove  month  of  and  mile  above 
Chamber’s  house,  on  Right  Fork  of  Lick  Creek;  cop])er 
bolt  in  bowlder  above  coal  bank  25  feet-east  of  ci’eek  be- 
tween two  walnut  trees,  one  of  wliich  is  blazed;  bolt  is 

marked  ‘HI.  S.  G.  S.  820  Ft  B.  M.” 819.403 

Newjiort  (Danville  post  office),  y2  mile  above;  nail  in  root  of 


large  elm  tree  on  south  side  of  road 078.075 

Madison,  up  Spruce  Fork  to  Seng  Pcst-ofice. 

Feet. 

Madison,  sheriff’s  office;  bronze  tablet  in  front  wall,  marked 

‘‘704”  703.221 

Spruce  Fork,  600  feet  above  month  of;  nail  in  root  of  beech 

tree  on  east  side  of  road... 098.705 

Madison,  ly?  miles  south  of;  nail  in  root  of  white  i>ine  tree 
on  east  side  of  road  np  S})rnce  Fork  225  feet  above  school- 

house  708.795 

Low  Gap  Branch,  450  feet  above  monfh;  ledge  of  rock  on 

north  side  of  road 718.745 


WEST  VIIUHNIA  GEOLOGICAL  STTKVEY 

Spruce  Fork,  1/2  mile  below  ITunterR  Tb'aneh ; null  in  root  of 
hir^e,  lenniuij,'  syenmoie  in'o  on  west  side  of  roa<l,  luuik  of 

S})i-uee  Foi'k,  b feet  above  water 

Spruce  Fork  ^,4  above  lluiiters  Frauch;  nail  in  root  of 

apple  tree  GHO  feet  above  log  house  on  east  side  of  road.  . 
Spruce  Fork,  4 miles  below  Ilewett  Creek;  nail  in  root  of 

large  sycamore  tree  200  feet  ^ above  schoolhouse 

Spruce  Fork,  1 mile  below  mouth  of  Ilewctt  Creek,  nail  in 

root  of  elm  tree  on  east  side  of  road 

Spruce  Fork,  200  feet  below  mouth  of  Hewett  Creek ; mil  in 
root  of  sycamore  tree  on  east  side  of  road  in  front  of 

schoolhouse  

Spruce  Fork,  mouth  of  Dry  Branch,  near  John  French  Stol- 

ling's;  nail  m root  of  oak  tree  on  west  side  of  road 

Spruce  Fork,  Vi  below  mouth  of  Rockhoiise  Creek;  nail 
in  root  of  water-birch  tree  on  south  side  of  road  200  feet 

above  crossing 

Spruce  Folk,  % above  Rockhoiise  Creek;  nail  in  root  of 
sycamore  tree  on  east  side  of  road  400  feet  above  cabin 

on  right  

Spruce  Fork,  Vs  above  month  of  Beech  Creek  on  north 
side  of  Spruce  l^ork,  300  feet  below  splash  dam  opposite 
William  Coleman’s  barn;  copner  bolt  in  ledgn  of  rock, 
marked  ‘‘V.  S.  (L  S.  fi4G  Ft.  B.  AI.” 

From  Mouth  of  Hev\rett  Creek  to  Peck  and  up  Guyandot 

Logan. 

Ilew.ett  Creek  300  feet  above  mouth  of;  copper  bolt  in  ledge 
of  rock  opposite  schoolhouse  and  on  south  side  of  creek; 

marked  ^ ‘ U.  S.  G.  S.  7G7  Ft.  B.  M.  ” 

Ilewett  Creek,  1 mile  above  mouth  of;  on  south  side  of  road 
300  feet  below  French  AIcNealy’s;  nail  in  root  of  leaning 

beech  tree  

Ilewett,  1 mile  above  post-office;  nail  in  root  of  elm  tree  on 

east  side  of  road  1,000  feet  below  splash  dam 

Ilewett,  2 miles  above  post-office;  GOO  feet  below  Robert 
Hardessy’s;  nail  in  root  of  small  leaning  birch  tree  on 

south  side  of  road 

Ilewett  Forks,  IV2  miles  below;  nail  in  root  of  leaning  beech 

tree  on  west  side  of  road  in  front  of  schoolhouse 

Hewett  Forks,  1-3  mile  above;  rock  in  road  near  ledge  on 

right  with  coal  under  it 

Ilewett  and  Big  creeks,  to})  of  ridge  between;  nail  in  root  of 
mulberry  tree  GOO  feet  below  top  of  ridge  on  Big  Creek 

side  

Big  Creek,  head  of;  nail  in  root  of  chestnut  tree  on  east  side 

of  I'oad  a])Ove  Sanders’s  barnyard 

Mill  Creek,  head  of;  nail  in  root  of  walnut  tree  on  north  side 


fl09 

727.2S5 

745.36.5 

743.835 

764.195 

769.225 
784.975 

815.655 

. .827.745 

845.309 

River  to 

Feet. 

767.029 

791.415 

827.785 

855.225 
904.305 

1003.645 

11GG.175 

982.315 


610 


tEEClSE  LEVELS 


of  road  above  bend  at  bouse  near  foot  of  mountain 973.27f 

Pecdv,  14  mile  south  of  post-office;  on  the  northwest  side  of 
]\lill  (heek  300  feet  alxsve  month;  copper  bolt  in  northwest 
coiner  of  lijoe  hcAvlder,  marked  S.  G.  S.  653  Ft. 

B.  M.”  ; 652.624 

Peck,  1 mile  ab.Ae  on  (Juyandot  River;  nail  in  root  of  beech 

tree  on  west  side  of  load 69vS.545 

White’s  Mill,  Yz  Hide  scuth  of;  nail  in  root  of  larg-e  elm  tree 
(.11  west  side  of  1.  ati  ah.ng  Giiyandot  River,  200  feet  below 

schoelliouse  645.195 

Logan  lYz  miles  sooth  of;  nail  in  root  of  huge  sycamore  tree 

on  weal,  side  of  road 652.035 

Logan,  2 miles  south  of;  500  feet  above  Hamilton  McDon- 
ald’s; nail  in  roc.t  of  beech  tree  on  right  of  road 654.415 

Logan,  brom.e  lalh  ’!  set  in  wall  at  northeast  corner  of  eourt- 

honse,  maiked  677.897 

Logan  to  MouGi  of  Big  Hitff  Greek  and  up  Guyandot  River  to  Gilbert. 

Feet. 

Logan.  1 mile  east  of,  on  road  np  Gnyandot  River;  large 

bowlder  marked  ^‘f>.  M.’’,  on  south  side  of  road 668.045 

Dingess  Run,  2G0  feet  so:  tli  of  ; nail  in  root  of  large  syca- 

moie  tiee  v t ci  r.  ad 662.695 

Andretv  L'ciey's  Louse,  Y^  mile  above,  on  west  side  of  road; 

nail  in  ioc;t  of  leanin,,.  water  birch 674.415 

Ely  Gore’s,  aevr.ss  r’ver  i cm,  and  500  feet  above  hollow  on 

left:  nail  i i i-.  o-t  (.-f  leaning  sycamore  on  west  side  of  road  685.535 
Rnm  Creek  smur  ■h::  se,  Yi  mile  above;  rock  at  root  of  large  ^ 

cucium.b<n"  tree  (ur  west  snle  of  road 687.835 

Fiovil  Buchanan’s,  t.rp  (.f  hill  across  river  from;  lower  pro- 
jection on  veiLical  ledge  of  rock  on  east  side  of  road....  772.865 
Hugh  Avis’s,  Yz  m’le  ub.  ve;  nail  in  root  of  beech  tree  on  west 

side  of  read  712.905 

Rich  Creek-  ; gg  ’le  medh  of;  cerpper  bolt  in  rock  20  feet 
noith  of  i\If- Ji - (list  Lpisccj)al  Church,  marked  ‘‘U.  S.  G.  S. 

725  Ft.  B.  M.” 724.634 

Rich  (leek,  1 mile  above;  rock  on  right  of  road,  near  Met- 
ros White’s  722.085 

Heiigv  Bian"'g  Yz  mile  above;  nail  in  root  of  walnut  tree  on 

east  side  (jf  mad , 755.905 

Ge(  rge  Mvldmabi  's  held,  cedar  tree  in,  1,500  feet  below  his 
liouse  on  (lie  south  side  of  Gnyandot  River  (B.  M.  724.465 

of  N.  (k  W.  R.  R.)  ; nail  in  root 730.045 

Bulfalo  ( leek,  op/positennonth  of;  nail  in  root  of  sycamore 

li(!e  (ni  south  side  of  Gnyandot  River,  near  water’s  edge.  722.165 
Buffalo  ( leek,  Yi  uiile  above  mouth  of,  opjiosite  Martin 
Doss’s  and  (50  feet  above  foot  log,  on  west  side  of  Buffalo; 
copper  bolt  in  n.ck,  maiked  'HI.  S.  G.  S.  728  Ft.  B.  M.”.  727.586 

Biitfalo  Creek,  2 miles  above  mouth  of;  nail  in  root  of  syca- 


WEST  VI11G[NIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY  611 

more  tree  on  oast  si(k‘  of  road 7(S4.095 

IkjfTalo  (’rook,  west  side  of  valloy,  d inilos  abovo  nionlli  of; 

copper  lK)lt,  marked  “ U.  S.  (i.  S.  St)S  Ft.  B.  M.” 807.014 

Hookhonse  Greek,  west  side  of  and  I mile  above  month; 
copper  bolt  in  rock  near  south  end  of  cliff;  marked  ‘‘U.  S. 

G.  S.  702  Ft.  H.  M.” 701.824 

Bi^  Hull  Greek,  east  side  of  and  IKK)  fetk  above  mouth;  cop- 
per lK)lt  in  rock,  marked  “ U.  S.  G.  S.  727  P''t.  B.  M. ’G  . . . 727.037 

Gnyandot  River,  V2  above  mouth  of  Rockhouse  Creek; 

nail  in  root  of  small  black  oak  on  west  side  of  road 736.775 

Gnyandot  River,  2<H)  feet  above  Wayne  McDonald’s  store; 

nail  in  i-oot  of  small  sycamore  tree,  west  side  of  road....  759.225 
Henderson  Browning’s,  14  mile  below;  nail  in  root  of  large 

white  oak  on  south  side  of  road 751.235 

Elk,  Greek,  690  feet  below ; nail  in  root  of  beech  tree  on  west 

side  of  road,  300  feet  below  Emory  Altizer’s 753.425 

Spice  Greek,  G2  mile  above;  nail  in  root  of  white-walnut 

tree  on  north  side  of  r<»ad,  1 mile  l>elow  Jim  Justice’s..  770.105 
Gnyandot  River;  large  rock  on  bank  of,  west  side,  where 

road  comes  near  water,  V2  above  Jim  Justice’s 755.665 

Gilbert,  1 mile  l>elow ; nail  in  root  of  sycamore  tree  with 
speading  roots  200  feet  above  old  mill  race  where  wagon 

road  ca-osses  river 803.465 

Gilbert,  Yz  mile  below ; rock  on  west  side  of  road  200  feet 

above  high  cliff  on  left 821.505 

Gilbert,  via  Wharncliffe,  to  State  Corner  Between  Virginia,  West 
Virginia  and  Kentucky. 

Feet. 

Gilbeit,  opposite  Alexander  Stafford’s  store;  iron  post  in 

field,  marked  “832” 831.646 

Gilbert,  rock  on  east  side  of  road  near  to})  o4’  hill  almve 

Stafford’s  store  854.825 

Gilbert  (’reek,  1 mile  above  mouth  of;  rock  marke<l  “B.M.” 

in  creek  and  I’oad  at  first  crossing  above  Zat  Ellis’  house.  847.125 
Gilbert  Gi’eek,  I/2  niile  above  llorsepen  Greek;  nail  in  root 
of  beech  tree  on  east  side  of  road  600  feet  below  Scott 

Ellis’s  890.555 

Twisted  Gun  (Jap  lirancli,  800  feet  below;  nail  in  root  of 

p(;plar  free  on  east  side  of  road  up  Gilbeit  (b-eek 944.465 

Twisted  Gun  Gap,  summit  of;  nail  in  root  of  oak  tree  on 

east  side  of  road tl42.5()5 

I-ien  Greek,  head  of  right  fork  below  deserted  cabin;  rock 

on  east  side  ()f  road  near  rock  cut  at  foot  of  mountain..  1199.575 
lien  (Jreek,  400  feet  below  Diurel  Branch;  nail  in  root  of 

small  white  ])ine  on  east  side  of  road 1016.435 

Ben  (Jreek,  300  feet  below  Laurel  liranch,  4 miles  above 
Wharncliffe ; iron  ]>ost  on  east  side  of  road,  opposite 
T.  E.  Jirown’s  house,  marked  “1020” 1019.815 


m 


tKECiSE  LEVELS 


Ben  Creek,  400  feet  below  Pound  Mill  Branch ; nail  in 


root  of  small  sycamore  tree  on  east  side  of  road 94S.165 

Ben  Creek,  200  feet  above  Spring  Fork  Branch;  at  Michael 
Hatfield’s;  nail  in  root  of  black-oak  tree  in  west  side  of 

road  889.315 

Wharncliffe,  railroad  bridge  over  Ben  Creek ; bridge  seat  of 

east  abutment  (B.  M.  820.39  of  N.  & W.  K.  il.) 821.975 

Kentucky,  Virginia  and  West  Virginia,  ccrnor  of  State  lines, 

1/2  mile  south  of  Wharncliffe ; iron  post,  marked  ^^825”..  825.162 


Kentucky,  Virginia  and  Vvest  Virginia  Corner,  Tla  Mouth  of  Long 
Pole,  up  Same,  to  near  Oak  Branch. 

Feet. 

Long  Pole  Creek,  1^  miles  above  mouth  of;  nail  in  root  of 

beech  tree  on  north  side  of  road 975.275 

Long  Pole  Creek,  1,200  feet  below  Oak  Branch ; iron  post  on 

south  side  of  road,  marked  ^^1050” 1050.284 

Up  Big  Huff  Creek,  via  Cyclone,  to  Its  Hoad  and  to  Echart. 

Feet. 

Millard  McDonald’s,  600  feet  below;  nail  in  root  of  poplar- 

tree  on  south  side  of  road 770.275 

Big  Spring  Branch,  1,800  feet  above  crossing  of ; nail  in  root 

of  sycamore  tree  on  north  side  of  road 792.625 

Cyclone,  copper  bolt  in  rock  opposite  Henchman’s  house, 

marked  S.  G.  S.  854  Ft.  B.  M.” 853.992 

Ed.  Cook’s,  14  Diil®  above;  nail  in  root  of  beech  tree  on 

south  side  of  road 896.265 

Lem  Brown’s,  mile  above;  nail  in  root  of  beech  tree  on 

south  side  of  road 948.585 

Lem  Brown’s;  nail  in  root  of  poplar  tree  on  south  side  of 

road  at  .'  993.015 

Toney  Fork  of  Huff  Creek,  south  side  of,  about  2 miles 
above  mouth;  copper  bolt  in  ledge  of  rock,  marked  S. 

G.  S.  1234  Ft  B.  M.” 1234.489 

Road  Gap  Branch,  600  feet  below;  iron  post  on  east  side  of 
road  up  Big  Huff  Creek,  100  feet  above  D.  H.  Cook ’s  store, 

marked  ‘‘1068” 1067.600 

Rockhouse  Branch,  600  feet  above  at  Gordon  Burgess’s; 
nail  in  root  of  sycamore  tree  on  east  side  of  road  up  Big 

Huff  Creek  1148.985 

Road  fork,  1 mile  above;  nail  in  root  of  tall  sycamore  tree 

50  feet  to  right  of  road  up  Big  Huff  Creek 1219.645 

Road  fork,  2 miles  above;  nail  in  root  of  water  birch  on 

north  side  of  road  up  Big  Huff  Ci-eek 1273.705 

Trace  Fork,  600  feet  above;  nail  in  root  of  tall  sycamore  tree 

on  west  side  of  road  up  Big  Huff  Creek 1374.485 

Brushy  Fork,  100  feet  above  mouth  of,  opposite  W.  R. 
Blankenship’s;  nail  in  root  of  sycamore  tree  east  side  of 
Big  Huff  Creek  1482.665 


WEST  VIRGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


613 


Laurol  Braiu'li,  mile  above  and  a little  below  Garden 
Ib'aiu'h,  on  east  side  of  Big  linff,  about  GOO  feet  below 
Bailey’s;  nail  in  root  of  syeamoi’e  tree,  east  side  of  road.'.  1G05.515 
Si)ring*  Braneli,  1,000  feel  above  mouth;  nail  in  root  of  beech 

ti’oe  with  top  off,  on  west  side 1815.085 

Sj)ring'  Braneli ; nail  in  root  of  siigaiy  maple,  half  way  up 
mountain  above  head  of  stream,  toward  lowest  part  of 

ridge  2346.795 

Sjiring  Branch  and  Alum  Dirt  Branch,  top  of  ridge  between; 
nail  ill  root  of  large  water  oak,  200  yards  east  of  Joe 

Tjiisk’s  deserted  house 2771.595 

Alum  Dirt  Branch,  one-third  way  down  mountain  toward; 

nail  ill  root  of  buckeye  tree 2429.095 

Echart,  east  bank  of  Pond  Fork  of  Coal  River,  opposite 
mouth  of  Skin  Fork;  copper  bolt  in  ledge  of  rock,  marked 
‘UI.  S.  G.  S.  1423  Ft.  B.  AI.” 1423.025 


Echart,  down  Pond  Fork  of  Little  Coal  River,  via  Bald  Knob  and 
Crook,  to  Mouth  of  West  Fork  and  up  Same  to 
Mouth  of  Brown’s  Branch 

Feet. 

Pond  Fork,  1 mile  beloAv  Skin  Fork;  nail  in  root  of  sycamore 


tree  on  east  side  of  read 1352.955 

Skill  Fork,  3 miles  below;  nail  in  root  of  leaning  sycamore 

ti-ee  on  east  side  of  ri'ad  down  Pond  Fork 1240.995 

Rock  Lick  Branch  i/4  mile' below  month  of;  nail  in  root  of 

sycamore  tree  on  east  side  of  road  down  Pond  Pork 1142.335 

. Bald  Knob,  east  side  of  valley  at;  copper  bolt  in  bowlder 
opposite  Eddy  Workman’s,  marked  S.  G.  S.  1101 

Ft.  B.  AI.”  1101.055 

Hatfield’s  store,  1 mile  above;  nail  in  root  of  sycamore  tree 

on  west  side  of  road,  100  feet  above  branch 1031.015 


Cow  Creek,  north  side  of,  % mile  from  month  and  800 
feet  fi'om  dim  Gunnoe’s;  copper  bolt  in  ledge  of  rock 

marked  ‘HI.  S.  G.  S.  1039  Ft.  B.  AI.” 1039.095 

IlatGeld’s  store,  2 miles  lielow,  on  west  side  of  Pond  Fork 
and  800  feet  above  Dick  Gerald’s;  nail  in  root  of  leaning 


sycamore  ti-ee  east  side  of  road 934.675 

White’s  store,  14  above;  nail  in  root  of  elm  tree  with 

sycamore  gi’owing  out  of  it,  on  east  side  of  Pond  Fork. . . . 893.465 

Crook,  first  crossing  of  Pond  Fork  above;  nail  in  root  of 

sycamore  tree  on  west  side  of  road 848.245 

West  Fork  of  Pond,  1,000  feet  above  junction  of  Pond 
Fork;  co})per  bolt  in  rock,  northeast  side,  marked  ‘‘U. 

S.  G.  S.  808  Ft.  B.  M.” 809.014 

West  Fork  of  Pond,  Y2  below  Brown’s  Branch;  nail  in  , 
root  of  sycamore  tree  on  west  side  of  road,  GOO  feet  below 

John  Giles’s  863.365 

West  Fork  of  Pond,  800  feet  below  Brown’s  Branch;  copper 


014 


PKECISE  LEVELS 


bolt  in  ledge  of  ro<?k  on  west  side  of  road  a little  above 
and  nearly  opposite  small  water  mill;  bolt  is  marked 

S.  G.  S.  884  Ft.  B.  M.” 884.325 

Junction  of  West  and  Pond  Forks  of  Little  Coal  River  to  Madison. 

Feet. 

Bull  Creek,  300  feet  above  month;  nail  in  root  of  leaning 

water  birch  on  west  side  of  road  down  Pond  Fork 773.835 

Robinson  Creek,  1/2  mile  above,  and  150  feet  above  Giisser 
Gore;  nail  in  root  of  pine  tree  right  side  of  road  down 

Pond  Fork  760.905 

Robinson  Creek  and  Pond  Fork,  500  feet  from  confluence 
of;  copper  bolt  sunk  in  protruding  bowlder  in  Ballard 
Brown’s  field  on  east  side  of  and  300  feet  from  road, 

marked  S.  G.  S.  746  Ft.  B.  M.” 746.847 

Robinson  Creek,  1 mile  below;  nail  in  root  of  sycamore  tree 
on  noi'tli  bank  of  Pond  Fork  and  on  south  side  of  road 

just  above  schoolhouse  722.265 

David  Green  Branch,  700  feet  below  on  west  side  of  road; 
nail  in  root  of  beech  tree  with  top  off,  and  on  east  bank 

of  Pond  Fork  720.645 

Workman  Branch,  200  feet  above ; nail  in  root  of  chestnut- 

oak  tree  on  west  side  of  road  down  Pond  Fork 701.385 


MINERAL,  MORGAN  AND  BERKELEY  COUNTIES. 

Frosthurg,  Flintstone,  Pawpaw  arid  Hancock  Quadrangles. 

The  elevations  in  the  following  list  are  based  upon  a bronze 
tablet  set  in  the  stone  work  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Allegany 
County  Court  House,  Cumberland,  Md.,  marked  ‘‘C  688”.  The 
elevation  of  this  bench  mark  is  accepted  as  688.257  feet  above 
mean  sea  level.  The  initial  points  on  which  these  levels  depend 
are  various  bench  marks  of  the  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  Trans- 
continental line  as  shown.  The  bench  marks  are  republished 
from  Appendices  to  the  19th,  20th  and  21st  Annual  Reports  of 
the  Director  of  the  United  States  Geological  Survey,  with  eleva- 
tions corrected  in  accordance  with  the  1903  adjustment  of  the 
precise  level  net. 

The  leveling  on  the  Frosthurg  and  Flintstone  quadrangles 
was  done  in  1897  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  J.  11.  Wheat, 
topographer,  by  Mr.  Hargraves  Wood,  levelman ; that  on  the 
Pawpaw  and  Hancock  (juadrangles  was  done  i)artly  in  1898  un- 
der the  direction  of  Mr.  J.  H.  Jennings,  topographer,  by  Mr.  C. 
B.  Bailey,  levelman,  the  remainder  being  done  in  1899  under  the 


WEST  VlllGINIA  GEOLOGICAL  SUllVEY 


G15 


diivctioii  of  ]\lr.  W.  Carvel  Hall,  topographer,  by  Mr.  Chas.  M. 
Smith,  leATlman. 

All  pei'inanent  bench  marks  dependent  on  this  datum  are 
marked  with  the  letter  ‘‘C”  in  addition  to  the  figures  of  eleva- 
tion. 


Patterson  Creek  South  to  Alaska. 

Feet. 


Patterson  Creek,  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  Bridge  over 
Patterson  Creek,  north  end  of,  north  side  of  track,  in 

ballast  wall,  copper  plug  marked  ‘^574  C’’ 574.327 

Frankfort  (Alaska),  0.5  mile  northwest  of;  in  west  end  of 
north  abutment  highway  bridge  over  Patterson  creek, 
copper  bolt  mai'ked  ‘C589  C” 589.527 


Hancock  to  Sleepy  Creek  Station  via  Berkeley  Springs,  Rock  Gap 
and  Stotlers  Comers. 


Feet. 


Berkeley  Springs,  Morgan  county  court  house ; west  face 
of  southwest  corner  stone,  aluminum  tablet  marked 


^^C12  C”  612.085 

Rock  Ga})  Coi’iiers,  700  feet  west  of  Fearnow’s  house;  10 
feet  north  of  road  at  summit  of  gap,  in  rock,  aluminum 
tablet  marked  ‘‘761  C” 760.946 


Stotlers  Corners,  0.5  mile  north  of;  at  first  ford  of  Sleepy 
Creek,  ledge  of  rock  east  side  of  road,  0.25  feet  north 
of  north  entrance  to  ford,  in  cleft  of  rock  about  4 feet 
above  roadway,  aluminum  tablet  marked  “662  C’B...  662.244 


Great  Cacapon  via  Long  Hollow  Run  to  Fisher  Ford. 

(Doable  targeted  spur  line.) 

Great  Cacapon,  Md.  U.  S.  C.  & G.  S.  bench  mark  “C’’  on 

lock  55  of  dam  No.  6 

Fishers  Ford,  in  large  boulder  southeast  corner  of  road, 
aluminum  tablet  marked  “MARYLAND  543  C’’ 


Feet. 

444.128 

543.505 


McCoy’s  Ferry  South  up  Black  Creek. 

(Double  targeted  spur  line.) 

Johnstown,  1.2  miles  south  of;  center  of  chiseled  square  on 
an  outcrop  of  sandstone  rock,  about  125  feet  east  of  road 
forks  and  2.5  miles  west  of  Hedgesville,  three  small 

pines  stand  just  south 

Tomahawk,  aluminum  tablet  set  in  northeast  corner  of  foun- 
dation stone  of  W.  W.  Hedges  barn,  marked  “MARY- 
LAND 466  C”  


Feet. 


561.51 

466.577 


INDEX 


PART  I* 


A 

Abicht  Avell  No.  1 416 

i^duline.  Wells  near 215,  ;2]S-9 

Albers,  Christian  No.  1. --298 

Albers,  Mary,  No  1 and  2 6(6 

Albrig-ht,  o.'W.,  No.  1,  2 and  3 320 

Aleppo,  I’a.,  Well  n<iar 12* 

Allegheny  Co.,  Pa.  reeords 96-108 

Allejfheny  Coal  Series 78 

Allenian,  John,  No.  1,  2 and  5 4.5( -7 

Allen,  A.  P.  No.  1 255 

Allen,  R.  L.  No.  1- 222 

Allender,  C.  D.  No.  1 -ilT 

Alley  cS:  Lewis,  No.  1,  2,3 -.21 

Alley,  T.  H.  No.  1 206 

Allianee,  Well  near 306 

.Allison.  J.  M.  No.  1 230 

Alpha,  Wells  near 287-8 

Amos,  P.  B.  No.  II 1.'6 

Amos,  (Pairview)  Wells  near--l40,  156-7 

Analyses  of  W.  Va.  Natural  Gas 556 

Analysis  of  material  from  Brooks 

No.  1 415 

Anderson,  G.  W No.  4 199 

And*  rson,  J.  M No.  1 and  2 I99-.00 

Anderson.  M.  V.  Mo.  1,  2 and  3 198-9 

Andrews,  Prof  E.  B 52 

Ansehutz,  well  Mo.  1 263 

Anticlinal  Theory,  llisrorj^  of 48-9 

Anticlinal  Theory,  not  new 52 

Armstrong-  Co.,  Pa.  reeords 108-12 

Armstrong  well,  Allegheny  Co 96 

Arnett^  I.  E.  No.  1 168 

Arnett,i  Norman  No.  1 246 

Arnett,  Scott  No.  1 168 

Ash,  J.  L.  No.  1 ------251 

Ash  K.  W.  No.  1 252 

Ashburner,  C.  A 513 

Ashcraft,  A.  No.  1. 175 

Ashcraft,  Jesse  No.  1 IM 

Ashcraft,  J.  'J.  No.  1 and  2 3 9 

Aspinwall,  W.  H 2.57 

Athey,  M.  W.  No.  1 458 

Athey  well,  Marion  Co 155 

Auburn,  Well  near 425 

Augusta  Oil  Co.,  Record  by 488 

Augusta  Oil  Co.,  well 477 

Auld,  Hugh,  well 131 

Ayers,  L.  J.  No  1.- 321 

Ayers,  Samuel  No.  1 397 

Ayers,  Wells  near 395 

B 

Bailey,  A.  C.  No.  1 323 


Bailey,  D.  E.  Record  by 351 

Bailey,  P.  M.  No.  1 ,337 

Bailey,  Jemima  No.  1 337 

Bailey,  Marshall  .^o.  1 310 

Baker,  Horsey’s  Heirs  No.  1 259 

Baker,  E M.’s  Heirs  No.  1 216 

Baker,  William  No  1 --248 

Ball,  P.  R.  No  1,  -',  4 210 

Barbour  Co.  web  records 311-8 

Barker,  C.  B.  No.  1 273 

Barker  well  No.  1 .262 

Barnes,  S.  C.  No  1 312 

Bai  nett.  L.  E.  No,  1 3-22 

Birnhart,  Silas  No  1 1'28 

Barrack  ville.  Wells  m ar  --15-2-4 

Bartlett,  E.  J.  No.  1 287 

Bartlett,  F.  W.,  No.  1,  2,  3 198 

Bai-tlett,  L.  E.  No.  1,  3 :’07 

Bartlett  & standeliife.  Records  by -277 

Bartrug,  well  No.  1 179 

Battelle  Oil  Co.,  R<‘cords  by 144 

Baumgardner,  web  No  1 ll:> 

Bayard  Sand,  tj^pe  location-.- 121,  136-9 

BayarJ*  Thomas,  well  No.  1 122 

Beagle,  M.  J.  No.  1 273 

Beagle,  W.  A.  No.  1 266 

iieall  Heirs,  well  No.  1 371 

Bealls  J.nils,  Wells  near 370-2 

Beallsville,  Pa.,  Well  near il6 

Beatty  Heirs,  well  No.  2 240 

Beckett,  E.  W.  No.  1 4'-4 

Beckley.  E.  H.  T.,  Record  by 278 

Bedell, 'William  No.  i 103-8 

Bee,  Nellie  No.  1 290 

Beech  Grove, Well  near ‘2.53 

Beech  Hill  well tsi 

Beil,  Eeli.'c  No.  1 122 

Bell,  Rufus  No.  l and  '2 143-4 

Bell,  W.  N.  No.  1,  2 and  1 -.-236-7 

Bel  lard.  David  No.  1 181 

Belmont,  Well  near -.-‘257 

Beiiton,  Weil  near ...214 

Benetlum  Br-os.,  Record  by 184 

Bennett,  E.  i.No  1 306 

Bennett,  T.  C.  No.  1 and  2 312-3 

Bennett  well  No,  1. 3s5 

Bennett,  W.  G.  No.  1,  2 and  4 3,s^'-'i 

Bennett,  W.  G.  No.  5 &c 390 

Bens  Riin  Sta.  Wells  near.. 2p9,  272 

Benson,  Wells  near -331,  :’.6k 

Bei‘ea,  Weils  near 42‘2-4 

Berkeley  T.  J.  No.  1... 485 

Bert,  Wells  near 2N4 

Best  , E.  G..  Ib-cords  by .1.54-5 

Bethany,  Wells  near 2fl‘2-i4 


’^Part  II,  Elevations  Above  Tide,  was  not  indexed,  but  the  regions  cov- 
ered is  ;;iven  in  the  contents. 


INDEX 


(517 


R(‘tf  iiiiiTi,  Wntson  Co.,' l{(*cor(l  byJiTV 

Mird.  W('ils  iirMf '-'HI 

IJlMOk,  M.  (J  wvU  No  1. 9t 

Ibacksliori'.  Wt'lls  cS:  Co.  No.  1 1^7 

Itlako,  Franklin,  No.  1 9:{ 

I{  ako  wi'll  No.  1 - ._1.S7 

|{hikor,  John  No.  1 

Hoard,  F.  M.  No.  I 4(f2 

Mode,  Jainos  II.  No.  1 and  H 'i'.iS-O 

Hodo,  John  A.  No.  1 and  2 2‘.)<.)-0 

node.  W.  H.  No  1 2''9 

I'odon  & Aikon  No.  1 

Hodon,  F.  E.  & Co.  — p'lannaji'au  welLlo'.) 

IJo«'yos8,  E.Striny(‘r  No.  1 28;i 

I{oy:,i> (‘ss.  Qnintilhi  No.  ] ;>/7 

Hohen,  B.  N".  1 and  :471 

i>oI(\  C.  D.,  Records  by '279 

Bonner,  B.  F.  No.  1 and  2 !J2 

B ()h(‘r-Hicks  No.  21.'i 

Boo  her.  John  No  1 '240 

Boohrr,  Noah,  well 212 

Boidier,  Wells  near 242 

!ioone  Comity  well  records 499-0 

Boone,  Daniel,  teni])orary  home  of-.-O 

Booth.  .Tames  A.  No.  1 and  2 '209 

Bosworth,  Wells  & Co  Oil  Sales  of. 19-0 

Bouyhner,  I).  No.  1 225 

Bowel'S.  G.  W.No.  1 '220 

Bownocd^er,  .1.  A 27'' 

Boyer,  .1.  Record  by 482 

Bradim,  Glen  f 7 -2 

Braden  Station.  Well  near 242 

Brady’s  Bend  well -108 

Brave.  Pa..  Well  near 110 

Bra.xton  County  well  r*  cords :!8S-''l 

llreidinfr,  Adoliih  No.  1 ‘221 

Breidinyr  Heirs  No.  2 and  7 ’ o 


Brij>hton.  Well  near 481 

Brink,  Wells  near 1(>',  17:5.  1>2 

Brocknnier,  W.  C , Record  by '280 

Bvook(!  County  well  I'e.'ords _'.121-:5 

Brooks  No.  1,  analysis  of  ma  erial 

from 410 

Brooks  well  No.  1 111 

Biookover,  M.  E.  No.  4 ...lO? 

Brothers  Island  well  No.  1 '280 

Brown,  U.  H,  No.  12  and  i:5 :5'2() 

Bi'own, A.No.  1 • 20<> 

Brown,  G.  W.  No  1 100 

Bi-own,  Henry  No.  1 J27 

Bi'own,  Luther  No.  1 272 

Bi'own  w 11,  Kentucky 197 

Brown,  Wells  near -ill 

Bruhn,  John  No.  1,  2 and  ;5 210 

Buck,  .1.  S well  No.  1 202 

Buck,  J’.  .1.  No.  1 210 

Bucy,  well  No.  4...—. 277 

Bullman,  well  No.  o 201 

Bumlill,  No.  1,  •2.-:5  and  4... .'2.01-2 

Burj^e,  .Joshua  No.  1 I 'u 

Burley,  A.  L.  No.  1 221 

Burley,  Lindsey  No  i. 211 

Burner,  George  well  No.  1 ;5  >1 

Burn.s,  C . 1-..  No.  1 18(5 

Bqinsville,  Wells  near 91-2 

Burning  SpriiiKa.  dt'.struction  of 

indiistry .--'dii 

Burnii'a'  Sprinv.’-H,  discovery  by  G. 

W ashiuRtou.. 2 

Burning  Si)rings,  Rathbone’soper- 

ations -21 

Burning-  Springs,  Wells  near..40J-4,  100 

Burt  wells  No.  '.i  and  11... b'>') 

Burton,  Wells  near. 170-9 

Bush,  C.  B.  No.  1 282 


Bush  .1,  C.  No.  1 and  2 282  . 

Butcher,  Calvin  No.  1 ..4c7 

Bulclu'r  E.  S.  No.  1 147 

But(di(n-,  .1.  N.  No.  1 157:5 

Butcher,  VL  T.  No.  1 408 

Butler  Co.  Pa.  well  records ...88-90 


C 


(^abell  County  Well  Records 482-90 

Cabell  Oil  & Gas  Co.,  Record  by 491 

Cain,  J.  C.  No.  7 219 

Cain,  John  No.  1 ..218 

(htin,  Samuel,  No.l 1310 

Cain,  S.  R.  No.  184 

Cairo  Sand,  Horizon  of 424 

Cairo.  Wells  near .4130-8 

("ale,  William,  Itecord  by 471 

(’Hlf  Creek  Oil  Co.,  Record  by 278 

Calhoun  County  well  records. ..:39l-4"2 

Camden,  S.  tt.  .q.  1 Jetj 

Ctamden,  Wells  near :3;')7 

Camden,  tV.  L.  No.  1 :396 

Cameron,  Wells  near 21.9 

Campbell  J.  W.  No.  1 109 

Campb(  11  Run,  tVells  near 107-8 

Campl)ell  Run  Sand,  true  horizon  147-8 

Cannon,  N.  F.  No.  1 4i() 

Cargill  well 482 

Carll,  Prof.  John  F. ..80,  273 

Carnegie  Natural  Gas  Co.,  Rec- 
ords bv 149,  282,  »&c. 

C rr,  M.  J.  No.  1 2 0 

Carroll  Sand,  Highest  geologically 

in  W.  V^a 491,  431 

Carter,  Amos  No.  .9 3‘2.9 

Cart  r,  ,1.  D.  No.  1 49:5 

Carter  (til  Co.  well  records. 170,  18",  &c 

Cascara,  Wells  near '2.'''2,  2.'.7 

Ciisey,  John  No.  l.-i ...:50, 

(lasto,  L).  N^>.  1 ;'.7 

Ca  to  well  No.  1 407 

C.itlettsburg,  Kv.,  Well  near 497 

Calskiil,  top  of  l)i*vonian  Beds 80 

('entennial  well  No.  0,  Cow  Run 270 

Cent(  rpoint.  Wells  near 281 

Centerville,  Wells  near '292 

Ciuitral  (.ity  Well 499 

Central  Station,  Wells  near ;5"'2-l 

Chamberlain,  J No  1 189 

t,  hainbcu-s,  ,J . A.  & S.  L No.  1.. 219 

Chambers,  Lewis  No  1 :.17 

Chapman,  L.  G.  No.  1 297 

Chapman  well  No.  1 '291 

Character  of  W.  Va  Petroleum 909 

Charleston  well .901 

Charleston  well  at  Lock  No.  4 900 

Chemical  Composition  of  Natural 

Gas 91::-.97 

Chemistry  of  Kansas  Natural  Gas. .997 

Chemung  and  Hamilton  beds 82 

Cherry  ( amp,  VVhdls  near ..:>17 

Chess,  \\  ilJiam  A.No.  2 281 

Ciie.'ter,  Wells  near 2:39-7 

C'ln  sterville.  Well  near 402 

( hisleu',  Joan  No.  1 :502 

Chuichville,  Wells  near. .:3(i0 

Ciiif.ens  Natural  Gas  Co.,  Record 

by :391 

Clmfe,  iVtuierdius  No.  2 29:5 

Claiksburg,  Weils  near :5'28-9 

Clay  County  well  records 473-9 

C'iayi  ()r>l.  Milt,  well 110 

Clayion,  A A.  No.  1 427 

Clayton,  B.  b.  No.  1 :370 

Clendeuin,  Wells  near 474 


618 


INDEX 


Cleveland,  Well  near ;}93 

Clovis,  L.  li.  & S.  S.  No.  1 i;i7 

Clovis,  K.  S.  No.  I i48 

Coffindatfer,  A.  No.  2 and  3 336-7 

CotEman,  Felix  No.  1 311 

ColEinan,  James  No.  1 28 

Coldwater,  Wells  near 295,  36>,  368 

Cole,  C.jF  , Records  by 484-91 

Cole  farm  well,  Jiarbour  Co 348 

Collins,  Creed  No.  J 408 

Collins,  J.  C.  No.  1 and  5 ;i71-2 

Collins,  Samuel  No  3 281 

Compton,  W.  H.  No.  1 ...457 

Conaway,  A No.  14 14u 

Conaway,  A.  No.  15 1.57 

Conaway,  Wells  near 250 

Condit,  Sarah  No  1 172 

Conemaui?-h  Series 77 

Connor,  Amanda  B.  No.  1.. .376 

Connor  well  No  1 1.54 

Connor,  W.  W.  No.  1 and  2 491- i 

Conroy,  Dennis  No.  4_. 367 

Conway  Deep  well,  near  Franklin, 

Pa... 86 

Cook  well  on  French  Creek 28" 

Coon.  Robert  W.  No.  1 328 

Cooper,  J.  P.  No.  1 212 

Copley,  John  No.  1 369 

Copley,  M.’s  Heirs 369 

Corbly,  A.  I . No.  1 2.52 

Cornell  well  No.  1 397 

C(U-nwalli8,  Wells  near i'28-9 

CosKray,  H.  K.  No.  1 200 

CottaKeville,  Well  near 476 

Cottrill  Heirs  No.  1 367 

Court  House  District  Lewis  Co. 

wells  in 369-373 

Courtney  & McDermott,  Records 

by 134,  116,  97 

Courtri^ht,  A.  L No.  1 ..217 

Cow  Run  Sand,  true  horizon 272 

Cox,  1)  H.  No.  4 197 

Cox,  W.  H.  No.  1,2  anO  4 :'77 

Craigr,  Joseph  VV.,  R-  cords  by 

...116,  120,  122 

Creel,  Bushrod  W.  Oil  Sales .19-  ’0 

Cross  Roads,  Wells  near 112-5 

Crumps  Bottom  well 504 

Culloaen,  Wells  near '*■^5 

Cunningham,  B W.  No.  3 322 

Cunningham,  Thomas  No.  1,  rock 

pressure .69 

Cunningham  well  No  1 l 8 

Cunningham  W.  N.  well ^73 

Curry,  Rebecca  No.  1 to  4 ml 

D 

Darrah,  A.  No.  7 1 lO 

Davenport,  John  A.  No  I,  I,  •> JOi-  . 

Davidson,  J.  H.  No.  6 and  7 ..138 

Davis,  A A.  No.  1 and  2 :9l 

Davis,  Milton  No.  .5,  Doddridge-  Cj.  9" 
Davis,  Milton  No.  1,  Harrison  Co  ..312 

Davis,  R.  G.  No.  3 :93 

Davis,  Silas  No.  1 22  - 

Davisson,  M.  No.  2 29. 

Davisson,  R.  S.  No.  1 'i2t 

Dawson,  Jjimes  H.  No.  1 and  2 216 

Dawson,  William  No.  2. b''6 

Day  brook.  Well  near 1.3' 

Dayton.  A.  G.,  Record  by Ml 

Dean,  Well  near 2 3 

Deepest  producer  in  world.-. Ill 

Deepest  well  in  U.  S ..lOl-s 

Deep  Valley,  Pa,  Well  near i2j 


Degree  lines,  Significance  of 64 

Dclmng,  Eliza  No.  1 to  .5 277 

Dennison,  A F.  No.  1 ...313 

Dent,  W.  H No.  1 373 

Deval  farm  well 461 

Devaney,  Tliomas  No.  1. 291 

Devors  Fork,  Wirt  ('o..  Well  near  ..46.5 

Dewhurst,  J.  B.  No.  6 192 

Dickent^  W.  R.  No.  1 171 

Dillon,  John  No.  1 .331 

Dobbs,  W.  H.  No.  3 219 

Doddridge  County  well  rec'»r(l8-28i-  t04 

Dolan,  No.  1 and  3. 442 

Doulan,  William  E.  No  2 373 

D^'ugherty  well  No.  2,  Butler  Co 89 

Douglass,  A.  M.  No.  2... 437 

Downing,  Maria’s  Heirs  No.  1 226 

Drilling  Craze,  Spread  of ‘23 

Drilling  Mehy.  Inventions 2 

Dulaney,  L.  E No.  1 189 

Dunfee  well  No  14 262 

Dunkard  Sands,  true  horizon 187 

Dunkard  Series 74-8,  2<.t6 

Dye,  George  W No.  1... 183 

Dye,  well  No.  1 454 

E 

Earseman,  Wrn.  A 48 

Eddy,  Georgia  No.  1 .146 

Eddy,  James  No.  7 241 

Eddy,  Sarah  E.  No.  1 142 

Edwards,  Alonzo  No.  1,  pressure  of-71 

Edwards,  W.  S 501 

Edwards,  Wm  S. 69 

Kfaw,  Wm.  G.  No.  3 and  8 159-160 

Klizabeth  Sand,  Record  showing. ..152 

Elizabeth  Wells  near 467-8 

Klk  Fork  Field,  Tyler  Co..-24U-l;249-252 

Elk  River  « dl  k Gas  Co .472 

Flkton  Oil  Co  , Record  by 494 

Ellenboro,  We'l  near 409 

Elliott,  C.  G.,  Record  by.... ....319 

Ellsworth  Dist.  Tyler  Co 248-2f>0 

Elm  Grove.  Wells  near .225-6 

Esehenbacker  No.  2 and  3 4.53 

Eureka,  Well  near 280 

Evans,  D T.,  Record  by 502 

I vans,  Hugh  No  1 338 

Evans,  Hachel  No.  1 166 

Evans  well  No  21.-. 90 

C'-ving  Heirs  No  1 ..145 

F 

Faherty,  Patrick  No.  1 362 

ahey,  M.  A.  No.  3. 361 

Fahey,  Michael  No  1 362 

Fairmont  & Grafton  Gas  Co 328 

Fiiirview,  Wells  near.. 140,  156-7 

F 'lis  Mills,  Wells  near ..256 

F.'rreil  Heirs  No  1. ...180 

Farrow,  1).  C.  No.  1 457 

T'ayetteCo.  Pa  well  records 114-116 

Fayette  Co.  Gas.  Co.,  Records  by. .116 
‘^aytte  Co.  W.  Va  w'cll  records. .501 -3 

Fearless  Oil  Co.,  Record  by 319 

Federal  Oil  Co.,  Record  by 354 

Ferriferous  Limestone HI,  237 

Fiokey,  Fred  No.  2,  8,  8 438 

Fischer,  Chas.  No  I 298 

Fisher  Oil  Co.,  Records  by *261 

Fislier  well  No.  1 - -386 

Fissure,  Rock,  Etfeet  of 62 

Fissure,  Shale,  EfEect  of.. 63 

Fdtro,  Silas  No.  2 292 

Flaherty,  John  No.  1 3ii5 


INDEX 


Oil) 


Vl^mnajriui  Hcir:^  f'-jis  well lOij 

Flaiii\:mjin  well,  by  Hoilon  Lt  C()..10U 

FlaiiiuiKini,  Ziuiri  No.  1 and  Ki 

Flat  lliin  ^dl  Fool,  Marion _l.i‘i-ir.o 

Flat  llun  Oil  I’ool,  MononK’alia.-l  ’(">-9 

F4at  Hun,  Wells  near 169-172 

Fleniintrtt>n  (''oal  t'o.  No.  1 ...5140 

Fleming-ton  well,  2 mi  N.  of 

Flesher,  Felix  No  6 ■..2.')1 

Flesher,  W.  A.  No.  1 440 

Flower',  K.  A.  No  1 and  2 224 

Fluctuation  in  Production,  Mean- 

itifr  of 28 

Fluhartv,  Wiley  No.  2 189 

Folg-er,  Israel  No.  1 2)'i 

Folsom,  Wells  near 184-6,  3"5 

Foltz,  S.  F.  No.  1 and  6 470 

Fore,  E.  A.  No.  2 402 

Formula  for  Natural  Gas  meas- 
urement   82 

Fort  Pitt  Gas  Co 148 

Fourth  Sand  Belt,  Monong-alia,.143, 148 

Francis,  E.  B.  No.  1 232 

Francis,  M J No.  1 289 

Franklin,  Pa  , Well  near 86 

Freeland,  E.  C No.  2 2'>.') 

Freeland,  E.  .T.  No.  1.. 166 

Freeland,  U.T.  No.  1 and  2 3V6 

Freemansburg-,  Well  near .68 

Freeman’s  Creek  Dist.  Lewis 360-8 

Freeport,  Upper,  Coal,  presence  of. 301 

Fretts.  A.  E.,  Record  by 17'’) 

Freutel  well  No.  1 491 

Friendly,  Well  near 266 

Frohnapfel,  A.  J.  No.  .6 21  ' 

FroiiKh,  Martha  No.  1 316 

Frum,  Geo  IT.  G Fruni)  No.  1 28^ 

Fuel  Savinj?  Devices I'^-l 

Fulmi^r,  Catherine  No.  3 240 

Fultz,  ,1.  M.  No.  4 and  6 32' 

Funk,  Michael,  well,  rock  pressure. 70 

Furbee,  Aaron  No.  1 bs6 

Furbee,  J.  H.  No  2 16] 

Furbee  well  No.  l... 668 

Furry  well  No  4 412 

G 

Gabbert,  Mary  E.  No.  1 ..29'! 

Gallatiher,  VV'm.  No.  I.. 189 

Garner,  henry  No.  3,  I6,  9. .21  -3 

Garner  Poi)l,  WetZ(d  Co. 211 

Garrett.  Well  near .14 

Garrison,  M.  J.  No.  1 147 

Gas  eiiM’iiie,  comparison  to  others..  12 

Gas  enf'ine.  Economy  of 4!-l 

Gas,  Reservoir  and  shale. 68 

Gas  sand.  Horizon  of 410 

Gaskins,  .Joseph  No.  i ‘287 

Gaston,  E.  M.  No.  i .3' 0 

Gaston,  Enoch  No.  i 331 

Geolo>4-y  of  Natural.Gas 49-62 

Gerlock,  Hcmry  Nb.  1 ...19! 

liibson.C.  K.  No.  1 ...361 

Gillingham,  Gi'orae  No.  1 182 

Gilmer  Co.  well  retau'ds 376-388 

Gist,  l>an  P.,  Itecords  by.. 476,  479 

Glassixdl,  A.  No.  i.. ..28:1 

Glen  ville  District,  Gilmer  Co 376-381 

Glover,  Alpheus  No.  1 246 

Glover,  .lasper  N.  No.  .247 

Glover’s  Gap,  Wells  near. 161-6 

Goft',  I'..  P.  No.  1 4‘28 

Golf  & Heck  No.  1 469 

Golf,  L.  t !.  No.  1 .4-28 

Gooden,  A.  F No.i 362 


Goo<i  Mo{)e,  W(dl  near 331 

Goose  Neck,  Well  near 4"9 

Got  by.  M No.  I and  2 190 

Gordoti  Sand,  type  location 120 

Gordon  well  No.  1 1 0 

Gorrell,  A W.  No.  2 ....'276 

Gorrell,  J.  S.  No  1 253 

Gover,  F A.  o.  3 129 

' rahamite,  how  formed.. 4' 4 

Grant,  Elj^ie  No  1 to  4 4'5 

Grant  Disi  rict,  Doddridg'c  Co. .288-292 

Grant  District,  Wetzel  Co 189-197 

Grant,  Susan  No  2 and  3 4-67 

Grantsville,  Well  near 31*7 

Gravel  pits,  near  '1  itusville 2 

Gravity  f)f  Gils,  Tables .')1('-512 

Gravity  of  Oil,  lii^htesi  specific 224 

Greenbrier  Co.  well  records 605 

Greenbrier  Dist  Doddridg'c  Co  •2v'2-4 

Greene  Co  Pa.  well  records 1'20-133 

Greenwood,  well  near 303 

Greer  well  No.  1 469 

Gribble,  J M.  No  1 298 

Gribble  well  No.  1.. 462 

Grifiin,  h.  C.No.  4 ..424 

Grifiith.  C L No.  4 323 

Grimgb'y,  Prof.  G<  o.  P 6.67 

Gross,  .1.  M.  .No.  1 473 

tlrossciip,  Fred  Paul 61,  469 

Grove  Heirs  No.  1 '241 

Grove,  Wells  ne•.^r '297-9 

Guffey,  J.  M.,  I'ecords  by 34-',  377 

Gum,  Grant  No.  2 361 

Gum,  Theresa  No.  2 ami  3 360 

Gump,  Hamilton  No.  2 i;i8 

G'lmj*,  M Tgaret  No.  l and  2 187-8 

Giithi  ie,  Mr.,  Record  by 328 

Cypsy,  Well  near _".... 33o 

H 

Hagan  .James No.  i ...149 

Hagau.J.  P..  Records  by 16<t,  '78 

Hale,  Dr.  J.  P.. 3-13,  '20 

Hall,  A.  No.  1 ....4;30 

Hall,  J.  M.  No.  1 (Harrison  tio) .3:31 

Hall,  J.  M.,  No.  1 Monongalia  Co). .147 

Hall,  Mary  E.  No.  ^... 363 

Hall,  Miner  E.  No.  2 306 

Hall,  P.  G No.  ;3 164 

Hall  well,  I3nrbour  Co. ..346 

Hall,  Win.  Heirs  No  1 to  4 .4:30 

Hall,  W.  R.  G.  No.  3 ....  '07 

Hallock,  Prof,  Wm... 

Hamilton,  IC  W.  No.  1 1-65 

Hamilton  well  No  1 HI 

Hamriok,  L C.  No.  13. ..:3n8 

Hamrick,  Ijcwis  No.  1 ..398 

Hancock  Co.  well  recoi’ds 23:3-  :37 

Hansford,  S.  A No.  1.. 303 

Harboin  , T .M  No  I 483 

JIardman,  Alien  No  1 :397 

lljirdman  & I^iviiigston  No.  5 266 

JIardman,  ().  W.  U.  wells ...211,  '.89 

Hare,  Viola  No  1 285 

Jlarkness  No  1 and  2... 428-9 

Harrington,  G.  D.,  Record  by 148 

Harris,  Dan  H.  No.  2 3(i2 

Harris,  John  No.  1. :3('3 

Harris,  JohnT.,  Rec'ord  by :38:3-l 

Harrison  Co  well  records :3'  4-':37 

Harrisville,  Wells  near 410,416 

ilartley,  Ma'garet  No.  4. 218 

H irtman  Oil  Co  , Records  by. .160,  192 

JJarvey,  Anna  No  1 and  3 i:37 

Harvey,  S.  J.,  No.  4 141 


G20 


INDEX 


Harvov,  Judso  T.  H 4^3,  495 

IlauRlit,  n K.  No.  1 and  2 KJH 

Haiialit,  (’atharine  No.  1_ 50 

Ilanf'ht  HoirsN'  . 1 148 

}IaiiKlit  & WaU  o)- No  2 and  I8 138 

Hawkins,  Isaac  No  1 and  2 2'1 

Hawkins,  J.  i . A.  No.  9 -49 

Hayhurst,  H.  W.  No.  1 417 

Hayhurst,  Josci)h  No  1 173 

Hayniond,  liUtlicr  No  1,  0,  16 314-) 

Hazelwood  well  No.  21 92 

Ht'a dice  well  No  1 200 

Hearne,  Laura  No.  9 '90 

Heath  well  N o 1 3^'i 

Hebron,  Wells  near 25f',  20.1-2,  i::75 

Heitizinan.  A,  No.  1 268 

Heldreth,  A H.  No.  4 3o5 

Helorei  h,  M.  i . No  I 3'  6 

Hendershot,  J B No  3 4.82 

Hendei’son,  Silas  No.  8 •.:;()l 

Hennen,  Bay  V.,  Dil  tests  by 5.1 

Hess  & 1 etrick  No.  1 160 

Hickey  well  No  3 98 

Hickman,  David  No.  i 248 

lliKhland,  Wells  near 4 7-8 

Hildreth,  Dr  S.  P. i4-16,  2'> 

Hill,  J.  K.  No.  4 and  11 49 

Hindman,  Ada  No.  1 233 

Holbrook,  AVells  near 424-5 

Hollidays  Co\e,  Well  near 2 7 

Holland,  J W.  No.  i.... 134 

Holmes,  M M.  No  1 25.) 

Holmes,  Sarah  A.  No.  8 26'. 

Holt,  W.  B No.  I 441 

Hope  Natural  Gas  Co.,  Records  by 

126,  1511,  &c. 

Hopkins,  bauuy  No.  i anU  j i„y 

Horner,  Peter,  No.  2Dind  3 243 

Hostutler,  Jackson  No  i 177 

Howard,  C.  D.,  letter, & analyses--553-6 

Hiibbardstown,  Well  near 498 

Hudnall  well  No.  I 378 

Hughes  Hiver  Petroleum  History__17 

Hukill,  E.  M , Record  by . 47.-3 

Hundred-Foot  Sand,  type  location_9r) 

IDint,  Dr.  T.  Sterrj' 52 

Hurricane  Oil  A Development  Co__48 

Hurricane,  Wells  near 483 

Hurst,  W H.  No  I 3 3 

Hutson,  Jamison  No.  i a 

. I 

Ingram,  John  No.  3 9l 

Inventions,  Drilling-&  Pum]un,.;._,2,  2i 

Ireland,  G M.  12  wells h2U-2 

Irons,  John  No.  1 _92 


J 

Jack,  A.  L.  No  ' 393 

Jack’s  hun,  Wellon .>8 

Jackson,  A.  H.  No.  2 .3 

Jackson  Co.  well  record) 4, .7-9 

Jacksojj.  Prof.  'i  . Al.,  Le^  els  o.'  -.  a 

Jacksonburg-,  Wells  neai .99-2'" 

Jacobs,  W.  K 72 

Jamison,  Helen  M.  No.  1 i,5 

Jennings,  E.  H.  A Bros.,  hecords 

by 2i  6,  15 

Joe’s  Crossing-,  Well  near 3.91 

Joetown,  Wells  near iVi- . 

Jolinson,  F At.  No.  i i.>3 

Jollille,  J.  U.  No.  2 _...I9.. 

Jollille,  S.  L.  No.  1 180 

Jollytown,  Pa,  Wthlsnear 12<)-7,  1 9 

Jones,  Brent  S.  No,  i i5l 


Jones,  Catharine  No.  1 and  4 260 

Jones,  Emma  No.  1 3' 3 

,lones,  L.  1',.  No  1 3"1 

Jones  A Laughlin  No.  i 98 

Joseph,  W.  W.  No.  1 2.54 

.loyce,  Kllen  No.  1 368 

Joyce,  Timothy  No.  1 363 

K 

Kanawha  Black  Flint .501-'2,  505 

Kanawha  Co.  Well  Ht'cords 50)  -1 

Kanawha,  Great,  Valley,  Inven- 
tions in 2 

Kanawha  Oil  Co.,  Records  by ‘260 

Kanawha  Station,  Wells  near 417 

Kane,  Ed.  No.  1 301 

Kansas  Natural  Gas,  Chemistry  of. .5.57 

Keener  Heirs  No.  '23 'iO:! 

Kelley.  Fes t us  No  1 4-J4 

Kelly,  Wells  near ‘295,  30o 

Kendall,  Z.  No.  3 163 

Kenna.  AVell  near 477 

Kennedy,  AV.  W.  No.  3 140 

Kentuck,  AVell  Near 1' 7 

Kentucky  Well  Kecords 497-9 

Kidwell,  Wells  near... -249 .2.52, ‘26 s 

Kilgore  Creek,  AVell  on 487 

Kimble,  A.  D.  No.  1 193 

Kinchloe  Creek,  AATdl  on 333 

King  Creek,  Hancock  Co.,  ACells 

on 234-5 

King,  J F.  No.  1 ‘248 

King,  J.  G No.  3 ‘249 

Kirkpatrick,  W.  S.  No.  1,  (Gilmer)  ..376 
Kirki)atrick,  AV.  S.  No  1,  LeAvis  Co. .372 

Knight,  J R No.  1 424 

Krenn,  Joseph,  No.  3 361 

Kuhn,  Lewis  Nos.  1 and  2 1‘2.5 

Kunst,  A.  H.,  Hecord  by 355 

L 

Lafayette  District,  Pleasants  Co. .27.8-6 

Lambert,.!.  L No.  1 3)'9 

Lambert,  ,J.  L.  No  2 305 

Langtit,  Silas  No.  3 ‘28.5 

Lantz,  Zue  No.  2 !94 

liargest  gas  Avell  at  pi  esent  tinu' 73 

Largest  gas  wtdl  e\cr  struck  W.  Va..69 
Largest  oil  well  ever  struck  W,\Ti.368 

l.aw,  David  G No.  1 .427 

Law,  L.  A.  No.  1 -383 

L lAvford,  Wells  near 4‘27-8 

l..'wson,  A.  D.No.  6 336 

ijcach,  A.  S.  No  1 ‘2‘22 

Liaich,  Lem  No  1 2-2:> 

Leading  Creek,  AA’ell  on 394 

Jice,  J.  C.  No.  10 431 

Lee  well  No  6 431 

Leczer  well  No.  1 179 

Leggett,  S.  ]-*.  No  1 361 

Lemasters,  F.  Al.  Nos.  1 and  2 '217 

Lemasters,  J.  A.  No  1... ‘203 

Lemasters,  Jiisper  No.  6 216 

Lemasters,  Lida,  No.  3 ‘203 

Jvemley,  C.  Me.,  Hecords  by 314-6 

Ivcmley  A Hibbs,  Nos.  1,  ‘2,  :ind  3 161 

Lemley,  Isaac  No.  2... 13.9 

Lemmon,  F .1 . No.  1 113 

Lemmon,  Salalhiel  No  1 137 

Lemmons,  L.  No  1 143. 

Lemon,  Geo.  S.  Early  operations  by. 17 

Leoiioid,  Well  near 397 

Letart,  Well  luair  179 

LcAvis  county  avcII  rcv  ords 353-37.5 

LcAvis,  J.  Al.  No.  1... 


INDEX 


(121 


r,('y»l('n,  .loliii  No.  , "(w 

Dis*  , Mnrsluill  ('o... 

liifo  of  )m  oil  woll ‘i:> 

Ijiiiu'stoju',  \V<'11  near 2J:’> 

Littio  Ivaiiawiia,  Kofiioii  S W of (>1 

Iattl(‘  Kanawha  Peiroleiiiti  History  17 

latth'ton,  Wt'lls  inair IS2--! 

Mvnly,  Win.  E No  1 ...:5S| 

lavin^'ston,  A.  H No.  2 

Loo  itinu-  Oil  and  (Jus  Pools. 17 

r.ockn('y,  H.  C.  No,  1 'm 

T.onfi-.  A.  No.  1 ..I'.ll 

lionir  Ileaoh.  Well  near (Kl 

Tionti-  linn,  Well  near ‘id 

fiOSt  Oia'ek,  Well  near a:'.  1 

liOnjih,  (diristian  No.  a 215 

Lon^’h  J No.  I 21.5 

Louisa,  Well  near lltS 

Lovett,  .T.  B.  No  1 ;?5,S 

JiOvett,  M.  J.  No  1 ait 

Ijowther,  J P.  No.  2 aiil 

LoAvther,  W.  L No  i 117 

Lubec  & Lehman  Well 151 

Lumberport,  Well  near 227 

L5nich  well  No  4 2S1 

Jivons,  A F.  M.  No  1 2sr) 

Lyons,  C V.  No  1 . 2S() 

Lytton,  Well  near 272 


Macfarlan,  WeP  near ..-442 

'Vlackey  J H.  No  1 214 

Mahaney  Heirs  No  8 4 7 

Majorsville,  Wells  near 227-220 

Makin  Nos  1 to  4 45 "-1 

Mallorv  Rios.  & Stewart Ulls-'.) 

Maiiflell  Oil  & Oas  Co.,  Records  by-2  8 
Manniiifrton  Experinn'iit,  Effect  of.OO 
Manninjrton  nil  ppeld,  History  of.. 5i-i) 

Manniiif^ton,  Wells  near "...’.W-Pil 

Mannion,  Micduiel  No.  2 185 

Maple.  John  No  4 17!» 

Marion  Co  w<dl  records i5  -175 

Market,  Well  n(*ar 205 

Markin,  F A.  No.  1 252 

Marsh,  M.  C.  No  l... 255 

Marsh  well  No  1 _..4(;0 

Marshall  Co.  v/ell  records 2l2-22'i 

Marshall  Estate*  w(dl  No  2 277 

Marshall  well  No  1 20' 

Marsh ville.  We'll  near 2 .5 

Martin  Heirs  Nees  i and  2 4i'J 

Martite,  Preisk'V  Ne).  5 10  i 

Mase)n  Ce).  well  rece)rds 470-482 

Mason,  Daniel  Ne).  1... '74 

Mase)n,  J No  1 174 

Matse)n,  C.  S.  Ne)  1 481 

Mathey,  A.  Nos  Janel  5 2:’, 5 

Mauch  Chunk  Heal  Shales.. 78 

Maxte>n  Sanel,  true*  horize)n 18  • 

Ma.xwell.  Bre'iit  Ne).  2 .158 

Ma.xwell  H-'irs  Ne).  i),  Lewis  Co 2(^,5 

Muxwe'll  Heirs  No.  1 nitchie  Co 421 

Maxwell,  .JanuiS  Ne).  1 205 

Maxwell,  W.  B.  No.  ' •.415 

Maxwell,  We'll  ne'ur.. 75 

Maylie'lej,  .1  G No  1 2 0 

Meade;  District,  Marshall  Ce) 22('-i 

Me'aele'Disi I'ict,  Tyler  Ce)... ..25i'-l 

,Me;‘ae)  \ iile.  Well  ne'.ar 2'2 

M<  ans,  I . N.  No.  i :;7'> 

Me'iii  ley  well  No  10 ..255 

Me'llin,  We'll  ne'iir 141 

Me're;e;r-Pe)()l  No.  1. 272 

Mertz,  J H.  No.  1 2.2 


Me'tz,  James  Nos.  1,  2 and  4 20.5 

Mc'tz  we'll  Ne).  1.. ;j04 

Middle;  Island  Cre;ek  Re‘aie)n..2..r)”27{) 

Middle'be)nrn(;,  W(;ll  near 248 

Mile;tu8,  Weil  n(;ar.. jjOJ 

Miller,  Ph’eelerick  Ne)8  1,  2 anel  4 444-5 

Miller,.!  M.  No  1 ’ hh 

Miller,  M.  A.  Ne).  8 ‘.''.‘.'.‘.104 

Mill(;r  & Siblev,  Rece)rd  by  4(;'> 

Miller,  Wtn.  No  1 ...^.'.''1225 

Mills,  .Joiin,  ^ Avells od-S 

Milton  Field,  tVells  in 484-404 

Mine'ral,  Wei  Is  near 22  -2,  5.7 

MiiiMhall,  F.  W _io,  5',  4a5 

Miracle  Run,  Wei  s near iijo 

Moats  .Jacob  No.  1 410 

Moats  wells 4;}7 

Me)bley,  Well  near i«o 

Monong’ahela  Series 75-7 

Monon,e>-alia  Co.  well  rei^ords :H-I.50 

MoTita’orae'ry  Nos.  2 to  5 451 

Me)oe1y,  J.  W.  No  1 

Me)ore,  E’s.  Heirs  Ne).  1 107 

Moore,  J.  J.  No.  2 ”l20 

Moore,  R.  J.  No  1... 4(5s 

Moore,  Simon  No.  1 107 

Morgan,  E.  C No.  1,  Pressure  e)f 50 

Me)rg-!Ui,  F F.  No.  1 201 

Me)r<»-an  Heirs  No.  1 '200 

Morgan,  ,T  D.  Nos.  11  and  2i‘. ..105 

Morjxan,  J.  K.  No.  l iS' 

Morg-an,  Nimroel  Nos.  1.  2,  2,  5,  7..  152-2 

Mora’ansville,  Well  near 201 

Meerris  well  No.  2 .'(;4 

Meirris,  well  near 4147 

Me)rris,  Win.,  Invention  eif  jars  by. .10 

Me)rrise)n  we  1 No  7 407 

Mei'ind  Coal  Co.  well  Nos.  1 and  2.222-4 

Me)undsville,  Wells  near 222-4 

Me)untain  Regions 52 

Meiwry,  Win  Nos.  1 anil  2 -02-4 

“Mud  oil” IS 

Muffney,  Annie'  No,  1 .'..1‘15 

Mullady,  Ihirr  No  11 25‘.) 

Mundae , Well  near _457 

Murphy,  .lames  No.  2 :{7() 

Murphy,  S C Ne)  1. 242 

M uri)hyte)wn.  Wells  ne;ar 45  -7 

Musanive.  .!  W No  1 2.52 

Myers,  Elijah  Ne)  (> ..,247 

Myers,  Stephen  Ne)  1 

Me 

Me‘CaInie)nt  Oil  Co.,  Rece)rd  by 42, 4 

McC  ain  well  No.  1... 477 

McC  earjM'arm  wen,  Butl{;r  (k) s<.) 

McC  eary  we;il  No.  i 2 ;> 

McC  el  an  Dist.,  l)oddi'idf*e  Co 281-7 

McCoach  Oi:  Ce).,  Ri'ceird  by ...185 

Mc('e)nauahev  wed  Ne)  I...1 157 

McConkey,  ./ace)!)  No  1,  Pressure 

anel  receird 72-221 

Me;Ce)y  He'irs  Ne).  1 ...211 

McCeiy,  W,  .1.,  Pressuri'  e)!'. 5<) 

McCuiieuiKh,  F T No.  2 2 2 

McCut(;hee)n,  C.  W.  No.  5 271 

Mcl)e)na  d.  Pa.,  e)il  lielel, ...112 

Mcl'hroy  Dist.. O'y ler  Ce) 211,  2(5-7 

McE'roy,  Joseph,  web loo 

McGre'fror,  Ne)8  1,  5 and  5.. 125 

Me  Kim,  Webs  near ‘2,52 

Mi'.Mil  an,  Samuel  Nos.  2 and  l 21.'-;’, 

Mi'Peak,  Ne)S  1,  2 aiul  :t _15;{ 

MePhearson  W.  .!,  No  1 457 

McPIierson,  Ikias  Ne).  1. 150 


622 


INDEX 


/ 


Mclloj'no’ds,  Wm  3_ IH‘2 

N 

Natural  Gas  first  used  m’f’g-  pur- 
poses   .13 

Natural  Gas,  Geoioi^y  of 

Horizons,  Table  of-.H-l-o 

Measurement .31-10 

Transportation  of. ..3(1-1 

Waste  of 20-3') 

Netzer,  Jacob  No.  1 3i  0 

New  Freeport,  Wed  near i y 

New  Milton  Dist.,  Doddridg-e  Co..  y'-15 
New  York  Petroleum  Co.,  Kecords 

by '.y-i 

Newbanks,  L.  M Nos.  1 to  n 4iy-150 

Newburif  weii :;-12 

Newman,  8.  No.  3 182 

Newman,  Wm.  No.  3 18:3 

Niohoison,  D.  H.  No.  1 y.T 

Nicholson,  W.  H.,  Record  by 3 49,  392 

Nineveh,  Wells  near ‘ l;30-i 

Noite,  Jos.  No-  1 '18 

Norris,  David  No  0 1!C 

Norris,  J.  3 No.  1 3.i9 

Nutter,  C.  W.  No  1 i2'i 

O 

O’Day,  James  No.  1 181 

Ogden,  James  No  i 308 

Og-den,  Si  as  No.  1 :t)0 

Oxdin,  Noah  No.  2 451 

Ogdln,  Wells  near  . 448,  lo-i-l 

Ohio  Co.  well  records 230-1 

Oil  Creek,  Well  on 392 

Oil  Gravity  tables 510-512 

Oil,  Ligrhtest  in  State 224 

Cii  Production,  Pa.,  Statistics 2(>-S 

Oil  Production,  W.  Va.’s  Future ‘28 

Oil  Production,  W.  Va.  Statistics. -.25 

Oil  and  Gas  Horizons  of  W.  Va I'O-O 

Oil  and  Gtts,  Necessary  conditions 

for  existence 62 

Oil  and  Gas  Poo  s,  Relation  of  W. 

Va  , to  Geo  og-icai  Structure. ..60-1 

Oil  well,  first  in  W.  V«, ->2 

Oil  well,  life  of 23 

Oiiphant,  F.  H 25,  26-8,31,  41,8-1-5 

Olive,  Well  near 310 

Oxford,  Wells  near .I'd,  417-418 


Painter,  J.  & Sons  well '0i 

Pa  mer,  John  No  7 193 

Palmer,  J.  W.  No.  2 il2 


Parsons,  J.  M No.  369... 
Patterson,  H.  L.  No.  1... 
Patterson,  J.  W.  No  1... 
Patterson.  Robert  No.  1 


Penhaie,  J.  W.,  Record  by 500 

P*  nick.  Bishop  No  3 194 

Penick,  Mary  A.  No.  2,  Wetzei 210 

Penick,  Mary  A No.  5,  Tyler ..247 

Pennsboro,  We  Is  near l’os-9 

Perrine,  Amos  No.  1 426 

Perry-Davis  Nos.  1,  2 and  6 12:’> 

Petro  cum,  Earl.v  discovery  of 14 

Early  History  of 14-6 

Early  operations 17 

Ear.y  use  of 16 

Great  increase  pro- 
duction  25-6 


Petroleum,  Method  of  occurrence. .45 

Quantity  to  acre 46 

Recent  History 24 

Sales  by  B.  W.  Creel..  19-20 

Station.  Wen  near 439 

P'-tro  ia.  Pa.,  Wells  near 88-92 

Phi  aide  phia  Co.,  Records  by ...273 

Phi  ippi  well  No.  2 ...  344 

Pliiliips,  Francis  C.,  Paper  by .)13-552 

Phillips,  S.  B.  No.  1 112 

Pigg-ott,  Seth  No.  1 :510 

Pino  Grove,  Wells  near •20.5-6 

Piney  Fork,  Wei  s near 2n6-211 

I'ioneer,  Well  near 222 

Pipe  lines,  comparati  »e  value  of 

di  tie  rent  sizes.  Tab  e of 35-6 

Pipe  lines.  Multipliers  for,  of  oth- 
er diameters  than  Finch  39 

Pittsbu  g.  Wells  near 98-1'  7 

Pleasants  Co.  well  recor  is  268-281 

Pium  Run  region,  Marion 15.5 

Plum  Run  region,  Ty  er 254 

Pium  Run  of  McKim  Creek 2.56 

Pocono  Sandstone 79 

Poe,  J L.  No.  9 .5;> 

Point  P easant.  Wells  near 4>-l 

Polan,  E.  J.  No  1 289 

Poling  well  No.  1 .462 

Pollock  well  No  5 1.52 

Pontius  & Stiles,  Records  by iv.-T 

Pool.  J L No.  2 .273 

Poo.,  W.  I).  No  1 202 

Porter.  Wm.  No  i 149 

Postiethwait,  Peter  No  . 2 2o4 

Postlethwait,  R J No  3 04 

Po t ts  vi  1 1 e Conglomerate 78 

Powell,  B.  C .\o.  1 304 

Powel'ton  well 502 

Pratt,  J.  M.  No  1 -.289 

Pratt,  S.  W.  No.  3 -.78 

Pratt  well  No  1.. 45' 

Pi-esronCo.  well  records >42-4 

Pribbie.  F.  No.  2... 443 

Price,  James  No.  i 170 

Price,  Z.  M.  No.  2 184 

Prices  of  oil  in  1855-7 2’' 

Prickett,  R.  B.  Nos.  i and  4 .'45 

Pritchard,  Jolin  No  1 118 

Pritchard,  M.  R.  No  1 118 

Proctor  District,  Wetzei  Co 12-3 

Production,  Meaning  of  fluctua- 
tion in 28 

Province,  Joseph  No.  1 180 

Prunty,  A exander  No.  1 4i8 

Prunty  field.  We  is  in 418-120 


- l\)\J 

^ XMJ.  i 

I’rnntv,  Lee  No  1 . 

119 

'*>7 

Primtytnwn  Well 

3: ’>8 

.•236 

Pniiman,  Well  near 

117 

T’liniping  weds  invention 

21 

323 

Furman,  Mary  A.  No  1 

21 

•>95 

Pursley,  Wed  near 

'268 

Putnam  Co.  wen  records 182-3 

Q 

Quantity  of  Petro  eum  to  Acre 16 

Queen,  Emmet,  Records  by 108-1  il 


R 


•199 

118 

■2(3) 


Racine  Dist  Boone  Co.. 

Ralston  gas  wen 

Ram  ey,  E.  M No  I 

Ratlibone  Bros,  Driiiinj 

orations  of 21- 

Rathbone  Tract,  500-Ft.  well 61 12 


Opera- 


INDKX 


023 


!{('(!  Hill,  Well  near If)!! 

l{o(l  HoiiS(i  Wi'll is:{ 

liedd,  wiMl Ill 

K»H'd,  H.  Ij.  No.  1 IJdS 

l{(‘OSO,  .1.  A.  No.  1 USlt 

lUdliy,  .loiin  .)  Nos.  1 aiui  .S .’(lit 

Reilly,  Mary  .1  No.  1. 2('lt 

Reservoir  and  slia  e yas.. .(>8 

Re.v,  Rif  M.  No  1 1.52 

Rlioda,  Weills  nc'ar 

Rice,  Henry  Heirs  No  1 Kill 

Rich,  Fred  S.,  Record  by lilil 

Richards,  Geoi-ye  T.  No.  2lM 

Riciiardsou,  We  Is  near... ...lOl-.' 

Richmond,  E.  .1.,  No  I .'27 

Richmond,  L.  . I No.  1 ISd 

Richmond,  S.  A Nf)s  5 and  1 ido-li 

Riciiter,  Gustav  No.  ' ...27 

Riftee,  I N Nos.  1 to  4 84-5 

iiig-don  well  No.  2 1*J8 

Rig-htmire,  Nos  1.  (i  and  H 552-:? 

Ritchie  Co.  wed  records 402-145 

Ritchie  Mines,  Wells  near 442-5 

Roane  Co.  Web  records 108-473 

Roberts  Bros.  No.  1 lo:? 

Robinette  web  No  1 ;4;)2 

Robinson,  B F.  Nos  i and  i 2'ti 

Robinson,  Genine  No.  4" 181) 

Robinson  Mills,  Web  near 184 

Robinson,  Prof  S.  W 51 

Robinson  web  No  1 517 

Rock  Pre.ssure  of  gas  webs (i.5-71 

Rogers,  John  W No.  1 40" 

Rogers,  T !».,  No  1... .510 

Rogers,  W.  A.  No  2 .:?1(1 

Rose  farm  wen  No  i ...540 

Roseiiys  Rock  well .^25 

Roseda  e,  We  Is  near :>>s8-:?‘K) 

Rowel’s  Run,  Wen  on loi 

Ruckman,  A.  No  > '78 

KuUner  liros  , Ear  y operations  of  .5-15 

Rush,  John  H.  No.  5 .2"5 

Rusfi  wen  No  i 584 

Rusk,  Well  near 159 

Russell,  J No  51... -21):? 

Russell  web  No.  1 ’lit 

Ryan,  A.  E No.  l 115 

S 

Sago  SLalion,  Well  near 351 

Salem,  Wells  nea r.290,  20  2.  31 3-3  1 G 

Salt  water,  I'resence  of  47 

Sammons,  ilossel  No.  2 128 

Sample,  llarv('y  No.  1 474 

Sancho  C’reek  region  255 

Sand  Fork  reg’ion,  Lewis 


Sand  oil  IS 

Sandyville  w(dl  471! 

Santee,  John  No.  5 178 

Sardis  T)ist.,  Hariison  Co. 308-310 

Scott,  5'homas  No.  1 383 

Scrafford,  11.  L.  Gravitv 

tests 5(10-511 

Seckman,  John  No.  2 252 

Sedalia.AVells  near. 282-1,  311  -312 
Shaffer,  Thomas  J).,  Records 

by  328-0 

Shaffer.  W.  S..  Records  by...  225 

Shahan,  11.  J.  No.  1 282 

Shakely,  H.  P.  well 02 

Shanks,  .Tohn  No.  4 and  5....1G1 
Sharp,  Well  No.  1 278 


Shattuck,  Charles  No.  10 


and  20  454-5 

Shaughtiessey,  P.  No.  1 280 

Shingleton,  W.  J.  No.  1 275 

Shingleton,  well  No.  11 275 

Shough,  Winona  No.  1 178 

Sliowalter,  T.  J.  No.  2 and  4.204-5 

Shreve,  J.  R.  No.  12 205 

Sh river,  Abe  No.  1,  Pressure 

of  GO 

Shriver,  Sol.  No.  1 17G 

Sidell-Moore,  No.  1 and  2.... 202 

Silver  Hill,  Well  near  200 

Simmons,  Dav'id  No.  1 471 

Simpson  Creek,  Well  on 330 

Simpson,  Jacob  No.  1 126 

Sim[)Son,  well  No.  1 465 

Sincerity,  Wells  near  ..180-1,201 
Siscersville,  Wells  near  . . . . 262-G 
Sliding  Hill  Run.  Well  on....  378 

Smith,  Clark  No.  1 255 

Smith.  Dick  No.  1 330 

Smith,  F.  E.  No.  1 287 

Smith,  82.  V.  No.  1 312 

Smith,  G.  W.  well  07 

Smith,  Harvev  No.  1 301 

Smith,  H.  L.  No.  54  1 86 

Smith,  H.  L.  No.  20  and  41.. 191-2 

Smith,  J.  G.  No.  6 and  9 254 

Smith,  John  TI.  No.  3 130 

Smith,  Martha  No.  3 325 

Smith,  Tom  No.  1 262 

Smithfield  region 186-0 

SiTiithville,  Wells  near  440-1 

Snodgrass,  F.  S.  No.  7 102 

Snodgrass,  Imsetta  No.  1 166 

Snodgrass,  W.  G.  No.  1 170 

Snyder,  Mike  No.  2 172 

Somerville,  .T.  T.  No.  2 204 

Sommers,  M.  M.  No.  7 373 

Sommerville,  Jas.  5'.  No.  1....425 


South  Penn  Oil  Co.,  Records 

by  1 28,  287,  373,  &c. 

Southern  Oil  Co.,  Record  by.. 334 
Spef  chley  Sand,  relations  etc. 03-4 

Spencer,  \'ST'lls  near  470-1 

Spragg,  S.  L.  S.  No.  1 150 

Stadler,  Tjoopold  No.  1 36  5 

Starnbaugh,  W.  well  100 

St.an  berry,  81.  M.,  Records 

by  401,  403 

Star  Oil  & Gas  Co.,  Record 

by  315 

St  archer,  J.  C.  No.  2 365 

Stark,  S.  No.  6 286 

Starkey,  82dith  No.  1 326 

Starkey,  W.  R No.  3 185 

Starr,  James  No.  1 416 

Statistics  of  Production,  W. 

V.a.  and  P.a 24-8 

St.  Cl.ara,  Well  ne.ar  208 

St.  Cloud,  Well  near  150 

Stealey,  Mary  A.  No.  1 218 

Stearns,  Simon  No.  1 444 

SteeR's  Ttiin  Pool  202 

Stein,  Gertrnde  No.  5 218 

Sterling  Oil  Co.  well  No.  10..47!» 

Stewai-t,  Robert  No.  1 25G 

SHles,  W.  J.  Jr,,  Inv'entions  of.  21 

St ine.spring,  W.  Tj.  No.  1 304 

St.  Joseph,  Wells  near  218-9 

St.  T.eo,  Wells  mair  147-0 

Se  Marvs,  Well  ne.ar  270 

Stoneking,  D.  well  242 


G24 


INDEX 


Stout,  J.  S.  No.  2 188 

Stout,  W.  M.  No.  8 

Stouts  Mills,  Wells  near ..  37  i -380 
Straight,  A.  B.  No.  2 ........194 

Str'*’’  Generalized  section 

of  W.  Va 74-83 

Sti'iChier,  Dempsey  No.  1 131 

Strosnider,  Milo  No.  1 144 

Strother,  A.  J.  No.  1 32  i 

Strucv;iral  lines,  safest  to 

follow  

Stuck,  L.  D.  No.  1 ...20  3 

Stumptown  Oil  & Gas  Co. 

No.  3 and  4 oo^'r 

Stumptown,  Wells  near  

Summers  Co.  well  records  ..  504-y 

Sun  Oil  Co.,  Record  by  

Sutton,  P.  No.  4- •-.‘o' ■ r 
Sweeney,  M.  C.  No.  1 and  3...4ofi 
Swiger,  J.  D.  No-  4 ••••••V’-fin 

Syndicate  Oil  & Gas  Co..  150,  li8 

T 

Tables,  Comparative  capacity  ^ 

of  pipes  

Tables,  Multipliers  for  pipe, 
for  diameters  other  than  1 

Tables,  Discharge  of  gas  cor- 
responding to  mercury  col- 
umn  and  gauge  Piifssure . . . . 39 
Tables,  Specific  gravity  of  t,a3 
corresponding  to  -water 

pressure  J ’ ' VM 

Tables,  Succession  ot 

Talbott,  N.  M No  1- 

Talkington,  G.  W.  No  6. 208 

Talkington,  daylor.  No.  2 iso 

Tallman,  C.  C.  No.  1 

Tallman,  P.  A.  No.  1 

Tallyho,  Well  near  448 

?:a?hS’’Cm^wen''?ecords  ’.  '.3371342 

Teays  Valley  Oil  & Gas  Co...  48^ 

Teays  Valley,  Well  in  

Ten  Mile  Dist.,  garrison  ^Co.^^^ 

Te'nnant,' Marion  No.  1 135 

Teter,  Chas.  F.,  Record  by....  844 
Thirty-Foot  Sand,  true 

Thistle,  Dr.  J.  L.  No.  S,  9 

Thistle” (Gillespie)  No.  5 262 

Thompson,  E.  No.  1 
Thompson,  Heirs  No.  1,  Mar- 
shall   1 ■ ■ ■ k'  V ^ 

Thompson,  Heirs  No.  1 and  *, 

Tyler  

Thompson,  Judge  well 
Thompson,  Perry,  Record  by. .848 

Thompson,  well  No.  1 114 

Toll  Gate  well.  Cabin  run 406 

Toothman,  Sanford  No.  1.....1P^ 
Touner,  Joseph,  Records  by.4«2-o 

Triple  State  Oil  & Gas  Co 40.1 

Triplett,  P.  No.  1 378 

Triplett,  Wells  near  . .4(.J 

Troy  Dist.  Gilmer  Co 

Tucker  Creek,  Well  on  4(j7 


Turkey-foot  Oil  Pool  234 

Twyman,  G.  W.  well  439 

Tygarts  \ -alley  Mineral  & Oil 

Co 344 

Tyler  Co.  well  records  ...237-268 

U 

Ufilngton,  Well  near 133 

UndcrvNOOd,  H.  S.  No.  1 243 

Xhiderv/ood,  Jacob  No.  4, 

Tyler  243 

Ilnderwood,  Jacob  No.  9,  Dod- 
dridge   285 

Underwood,  M.  V.  No.  1 288 

Ilnderwood,  Robert  No.  1 & 2.232 
Union  Oil  Co.,  Records  by.  278,  449 
Union  Dist.,  Harrison  Co...  335-7 

Union  Dist.,  Tyler  Co 267 

ITnion  Dist.,  Wood  Co.  ..  4 4 9-  152 
United  States  Coal  & Oil  Co..  477 
1 nited  States  Oil  Co.,  Records 

by  335,  453 

Upshur  Co.  well  records  ..  348-353 

V 

Va-Ken-O.  Oil  & Gas  Co.  Rec- 
ord by  489 

Van  Camp,  Well  , near  24(^ 

Vandergrift,  J.  J 48 

Vandergrift,  T.  J.,  Record  by.  112 

Vandervort  well  No.  1 393 

Venango  Co.  Pa.  well  records.. 86 

Venango  Oil  Sand  Group  87 

Victor  Oil  & Gas  Co  241 

Vienna  Station,  IVell  near  ...459 

Virginia  Oil  & Gas  Co 225-9 

Volcano,  Wells  near  446-7 

Volcano,  well  No.  46 447 

Volcano  well  No.  1 Lot  No.  47.446 
Volume  & pressure  gas  wells 


Volume  gas  wells,  how  meas- 
ured   


W 

Wadestown,  Wells  near  ....146-8 

Walker,  J.  D.  No.  6 456 

Wallace  well  No.  16  95 

Wallace  Wells,  near  306-8 

Walsh,  Pcit  No.  3 361 

Walton  Oil  & Gas  Co.,  Rec- 
ords by  484,  488 

Walton  well  No.  1 488 

Wanstreet,  John  No.  1 29  < 

Washington  Co.  Oliio,  wells . 270-2 
Washington  Gen.  Discovery 

gas  spring 2,  11 

Washington,  Pa.,  Wells 

Wass,  John  No.  1 y’lrl 

Wavcrly,  Wells  near  ....278,  452 
Wayne  Co.  well  records  ....  496- < 
W.Lynesburg,  Pa.,  Wells 

Webi),  "Eliza  J.’s  Heirs  No.  1 

and  2 

Webster  Co.  well  records .... 

Weekley,  Ada  No.  2 2(5 

Weeklev,  Lloyd  No.  1 24U 

Wells,  A.  11.  No.  1 

W('Hs,  Elias  No.  1 & 8 2.>  (^ 

W(dls,  h\  R.  No.  41 3 ;_> 

Wells  Island  No.  9,  10,  11.... 26.) 


INDEX 


625 


Wells,  Jim,  No.  1 2611 

West  Elizabeth,  Pa.,  Well 

near  103 

West  Milford,  Wells  near . . 334-.5 
West  Union,  Wells  near ....  300-1 
Weston  Asylum  well  No.  1...355 
Weston,  Wells  near  ...354-6,  374 
Wetzel  Co.  well  records ..  176-213 

Whaley,  J.  M.  No.  2 407 

Whaley,  Thomas  H.  No.  1....275 

Wharton,  A.  B.  No.  1 455 

Wharton,  Ruth  No.  1 & 2.... 454 
Wheeling-  Creek,  Well  near..  231 
Whetstone  run.  Well  near  ...160 


Whiskey  Run  Oil  Pool  ...411-416 

White,  B.  F.  No.  1 241 

White  Day,  Well  near  151 

White  Sand  oil  26 

Whiteoak,  Wells  near  

418,  420-2,  424 

Wick,  Wells  near  254,  259 

Wick,  well  2 mi.  S.  of 257-9 

Widner,  John  No.  1 213 

Wilbur,  Well  near.  251 

Wiley,  Anderson  No.  1 210 

Wiley,  George  No.  1 211 

Wiley,  Robert  No.  1 119 

Wileyville,  Wells  near 202-5 

Willey,  John  No.  1,  2 & 3 197 

Williams,  J.  W.  No.  1,  2 & 6..  314 

Williams,  W.  M.  No.  1 297 

Williamson  Heirs  No.  1 302 


Williamson,  W.S.  No.  1 to  8.448-9 
Williamstown,  Wells  near..  457-8 

Wilson,  A.  B.  No.  2 466 

Wilson  Heirs  No.  9 141 

Wilson,  J.  N.  No.  1 139 

Winans,  Wm.  No.  1 358 

Winfield,  Well  near  482 

Wirt  Co.  well  records  462-8 

Wise,  Well  near  149 

Wolf,  G.  W.  No.  1 335 

Wolf  Summit  anticline  319 

Wood  Co.  well  records ...  445-462 

Wood,  J.  R.'No.  1 211 

Woodburn,  S.  No.  1 241 

Woodford  well  No.  1 354 

Workman  well  No.  1 499 

Worthington,  .John  ....69-70,  130 

Y 

Yellow  Creek,  Well  on  397 

Yerkey,  M.  V.  No.  1 409 

Yost,  J.  P.  No.  1 157 

Young,  Dorothy  No.  1 319 

Young,  W.  J 103 

Z 

Zahneizer,  M.  L.,  Records  by..  279 
Zahneizer,  R.  M.,  Records  by..  391 

Zinn,  G.  P.  No.  1 419 

Zinn,  M.  B.  No.  1 425 

Zinn,  M.  G.  No.  1 to  6 420 


